The Legatum Institute exists to promote the prosperity of individuals, families, communities and nations.
The Legatum Institute exists to promote the prosperity of individuals, families, communities and nations.
Prosperity is much more than money or wealth, it is about growth, opportunity, freedom and responsibility. History reveals the foundations of prosperity which are the beliefs, values, culture and traditions that create virtuous people, trust-based societies and strong nations. By understanding what has worked before, we can thoughtfully apply ancient wisdom to modern challenges, translating sound principles into better institutions and policies.
Today, the Institute is comprised of two separate but complementary organisations – Legatum Institute Limited, a research and policy institute and The Legatum Institute Foundation (the “Foundation”), a registered charity – and is also a founding partner of a bold, new joint venture initiative called the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship.
Legatum first began establishing metrics around prosperity in 2006 when we engaged a team of Oxford University professors. Together, we sought to define the pillars that would allow us to understand the overall quality of life for a nation’s people, using an evidence-based approach. Looking beyond economic indicators, we identified metrics that affect wellbeing, such as family relationships, the role of the community and the environment. The report produced from this work was the foundation upon which the Prosperity Index was established.
In 2007, Legatum founded the Institute with an initial remit to specifically focus on authorship of the Index. In subsequent years, the Institute extended its programmes into other areas such as Russian disinformation, refugees, international development and the health of society.
Today, the Legatum Institute currently focuses on the following initiatives:
Some of the prior outcomes of the Institute's work include: