Economist Intelligence Unit
The Economist Intelligence Unit operates as the research and analysis division of the British media company known as The Economist Group. This structural relationship defines its scope, providing forecasting and advisory services through rigorous research. The unit maintains main offices in four major cities: London, New York City, Hong Kong, and Dubai. These locations anchor its global reach for country, industry, and management analysis worldwide. Leadership transitions mark significant shifts in direction over time. Robin Bew previously served as Managing Director while holding titles like Editorial Director and Chief Economist. Leon Calvert took over the role of Managing Director in April 2025. The organization also incorporates the former Business International Corporation, a UK entity acquired by its parent company in 1986.
Strategic growth came through specific purchases targeting healthcare analytics and management consulting sectors. Bazian joined the group in December 2012 to specialize in clinical evidence analysis for health services and technologies. Vivek Muthu and Anna Donald founded this London-based firm in 1999 to assess clinical effectiveness and value for money. Clearstate entered the fold in April 2012 as a market intelligence firm headquartered in Singapore. Founded in 2006, it offered customized strategic advisory addressing healthcare and life sciences within the Asia Pacific region. Canback & Company arrived in July 2015 as a global management consulting firm based in Boston. This firm was established in 2004 to serve consumer-facing industries using predictive analytics. The unit folded Canback into its operations in 2020 to consolidate these capabilities.
The Democracy Index stands as one of the most widely used democracy indices worldwide alongside V-Dem measures. The Economist Intelligence Unit released this index starting in 2006 with updates in 2008 and 2010 before continuing annually since then. It examines the state of democracy across 167 countries to quantify political conditions. Five general categories drive the assessment: electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, functioning of government, political participation, and political culture. This data helps define the analytical output that characterizes the unit's work globally. The methodology attempts to turn abstract concepts like freedom into measurable statistics for policymakers and researchers.
Market Explorer launched in November 2015 as an online tool designed to scan markets in various countries and cities. This platform works in collaboration with Canback to find the best locations for a product or service. It allows users to identify optimal spots for business expansion by analyzing global market data. The tool supports the broader goal of providing actionable intelligence to clients seeking entry into new territories. By combining historical data with predictive analytics, it helps businesses navigate complex international environments efficiently. The interface enables scanning capabilities that were previously difficult to execute manually at scale.
Monthly country reports form the backbone of the EIU's forecasting services provided worldwide. These documents offer five-year economic forecasts alongside industry-specific risk assessments for diverse sectors. The Government Broadband Index released in January 2011 assessed nations based on planning rather than current capability. Developed countries in Southeast Asia scored highest due to ambitious targets for speed and coverage. Greece ranked worst because its plan did little to encourage competition despite high public funding commitments. Stephen Dollard directed the Access China White Paper released in November 2010 profiling top emerging cities. This report highlighted CHAMPS: Chongqing, Hefei, Anshan, Maanshan, Pingdingshan, and Shenyang as fast-growing urban centers.
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Common questions
What is the Economist Intelligence Unit and who owns it?
The Economist Intelligence Unit operates as the research and analysis division of The Economist Group. This British media company maintains ownership over the unit which provides forecasting and advisory services through rigorous research.
When did Leon Calvert become Managing Director of the Economist Intelligence Unit?
Leon Calvert took over the role of Managing Director in April 2025. Robin Bew previously served as Managing Director while holding titles like Editorial Director and Chief Economist before this transition.
Which cities host main offices for the Economist Intelligence Unit?
The unit maintains main offices in four major cities: London, New York City, Hong Kong, and Dubai. These locations anchor its global reach for country, industry, and management analysis worldwide.
How many countries does the Democracy Index cover and when was it first released?
The Economist Intelligence Unit released the Democracy Index starting in 2006 to examine the state of democracy across 167 countries. Updates occurred in 2008 and 2010 before continuing annually since then.
What year did Bazian join the Economist Intelligence Unit and what do they analyze?
Bazian joined the group in December 2012 to specialize in clinical evidence analysis for health services and technologies. Vivek Muthu and Anna Donald founded this London-based firm in 1999 to assess clinical effectiveness and value for money.