On the use of Malmquist productivity indices for intertemporal performance assessment by means of composite indicators

The family of Malmquist non-parametric productivity indices using either a single constant input or a single constant output is a consistent approach for measuring performance change in terms of composite indicators. In this setting, testing for Hicks-neutral technical change is important, since in its presence the choice among these Malmquist indices is unnecessary, whereas its absence points towards the asymmetric effects of overarching events and policies across the evaluated units. In this paper, we provide an empirical test for Hicks-neutral technical change by relying on recent developments on inference in dynamic nonparametric models of production. We then use it to examine the pattern of technical change in two study cases related to the UNDP Human Development Index and a social inclusion composite indicator. In both cases, country performance change over time is entirely attributed to technical change, which however is economically significant only in the latter case.