Method

2thinknow’s unique process is included in each single indicator of data our customers purchase.

This unique process gives customers the certainty of choosing current best available data in their choice of format, at the same flat price.

5 Phase Process

Urban research into city performance

1. Extensive Research

Background research into measuring city/regional centre performance, capabilities and market characteristics, using:
Quantitative (‘hard numbers’) research such as population, GINI or GDP per capita.)
Qualitative research (‘soft measures’) such as public art museums or sports fanaticism.
Thought Leaders A mix of commercial innovators and fresh academic thinking in each field.
Social Research Proprietary 2thinknow open network process, beyond crowd-sourcing gathering data about key cities.
Design thinking, designing city performance indicators

2. Indicator Design

For each indicator, we identify potential data sources, approaches, big ideas and bodies of theory are examined and defined by our analysts to meet customer needs.

e.g. How should we define Meal Affordability? Should it be bistro prices or prices of a sandwich and coffee? What is the price of a Subway Sub? How do we deal fairly with cities where sandwiches are not eaten?

Available data sources are examined, analysed, and the best available evidence for indicator defined.
city benchmarking data measuring city performance by 2thinknow

3. Data Collection

Best available data as evidence is collected for each indicator and each location, from multiple sources per indicator, by 2thinknow’s specially trained graduate analysts. All evidence is fully-sourced on each slide, report or spreadsheet. Data is pre-scored based on this evidence using our proprietary 2thinknow process and defined performance bands.
City statistics are not the answer, 3X-checked data measures city performance

4. Spot Review

By default, standard indicators data is reviewed and updated annually. Custom Indicators are reviewed based on demand. Each review upgrades data quality and increases data points on the indicator. Ad-hoc reviews are also instigated based on your client needs, and changing current events. Annual reviews coincide with the release of annual Index city rankings as seen in major news media globally.
City KPIs, annual city data review

5. Benchmark Score

Evidence collected and resulting scores is reviewed and standardized, by a senior analyst using algorithms and a process to distribute the scores across curve. Data and scores are checked 3 different methods in our special 2thinknow process. Your data is thus given a standardized benchmark score across locations and markets regionally and globally (even if you only purchase a few locations). This ensures 2thinknow’s you can accurately compare locations and is truly global and up-to-date for your selected locations.

Qualities of the 2thinknow Method

 Here is why data produced with the 2thinknow method better suits your needs.

Cities ranking, global cities list of city data List of cities by rank, city ranking data Measure city performance indicators, cities KPIS Innovation Cities Framework for flexibility and multi-formats Urban economic and social development of cities
Global Any City Anywhere.Performance data on any city. Choose from a list of all the world’s urban population centres. Comparative performance data you can’t get anywhere else. Actual PerformanceMetrics for actual city performance.Compare actual city performance. Compare across cultures, nations, regions, borders. Use the city indicators you choose. Independently assessed by 2thinknow analysts, then triple-checked. LatestCurrent recent evidence.Data is independently collated and assessed by 2thinknow analysts. Our analysts use innovative approaches, and modern sources, from web 2.0 sites and print which we shape into supporting evidence. FlexibleAffordable formats, many uses.You receive licenses to the scoring data, evidence, graphs, slides in many formats. Each format is ready-to-go and far cheaper than doing it yourself. StandardFully standardized benchmarks.Each city is measured by Indicators. Each indicator is designed on Key Performance Indicator [KPI] and benchmarking principles familiar to business.