Today, CoST publishes its Methodology and accompanying Guidance Note for estimating financial savings resulting from transparency, accountability, and participation in infrastructure projects. This tailored impact evaluation methodology was developed in collaboration with the Government Transparency Institute.

The methodology provides references that show that roughly half of all fixed-capital investment by governments goes into public infrastructure – an essential driver of economic growth and social development, especially in developing countries. Yet, infrastructure projects frequently fall short of expectations, with mismanagement driving up prices, causing delays, and yielding poor-quality assets that distort public spending.

These resources adopt an adaptable, flexible approach that considers different countries’ contexts, including their institutional and legal environments. The methodology and guidance note can be used independently to support any national or sub-national region looking to make the business case and demonstrate clear benefits to institutions and funders for improving data quality and implementing processes that encourage transparency.

Historically, CoST members have generated millions of dollars of savings in countries – from Thailand to Guatemala, from Ethiopia to Afghanistan. These savings, from a wide range of countries across various contexts, highlight the adaptability of CoST’s approaches and tools.

The methodology covers vital components such as transparency, monitoring, and the impact on prices and quality, as well as a step-by-step guide that includes data mapping, data preparation, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.  Meanwhile, the guidance note helps the reader to understand financial savings, how to measure impact, and assess data needs and readiness.

Building on this, CoST will seek to apply the methodology to CoST members and to regions outside CoST’s membership.