Abstract

Comparing inequalities in access to services across territories is central to evidence-based policymaking, yet remains methodologically challenging. This presentation, drawing on recent OECD work, explores how to move towards more meaningful and policy-relevant comparisons of accessibility. It highlights key insights from the ongoing Optimal Service Networks for Competitive Regions OECD project, focusing on four interrelated dimensions.

First, it discusses the importance of choosing the appropriate geographical scale, showing how results can vary significantly depending on spatial aggregation and functional definitions of territories. Second, it introduces the use of international territorial typologies to enable consistent cross-country comparisons while accounting for diverse settlement patterns. Third, it examines how to define and apply comparable benchmarks of access, ensuring that indicators reflect realistic service standards across contexts. Finally, it addresses the interpretation of results, emphasizing the need to go beyond purely geographical explanations by focusing on comparisons of similar lived experiences within countries.

By combining these elements, the presentation proposes a framework for more robust and interpretable measures of accessibility inequalities. This approach aims to support policymakers in identifying underserved areas, designing efficient service networks, and making more informed trade-offs between equity and efficiency.