CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.3. A possible roadmap for the implementation of benchmarking

A series of co-ordinated steps or a roadmap would be required to implement cost benchmarking at the international level in the manner described, for example, in the case of Option F. The series of steps is illustrated in general terms in Figure 5.1 below.

Figure 5.1: Benchmarking implementation roadmap

Step 1 – Selection of an international organising entity

A critical mass of stakeholders would need to be interested in participating in such an entity, for example a group of operators and national authorities with significant data, willing to share this data across international borders. Furthermore, this group would also need to select or create a distinct organising entity to oversee the initiative. Given the international nature of the envisaged collaboration, the primary options would likely be co-operation through some form of international organisation, or in the private sector. Examples exist of both types of organisational approaches, and a choice of a particular organisational model would require a more in-depth analysis.

Step 2 – Mobilisation

A legal agreement would need to be established outlining the participating entities, their relationship with each other and their relationship with the organisation selected or created for the benchmarking service. This agreement would identify the duties and obligations of the parties, the services they would receive in turn for participation, and any exit strategy, for example in the case that a restructure occurs, a participant leaves, or the benchmarking service is discontinued. The agreement would also address the requirements for additional entities joining the service after it has already been established.

Step 3 – Implementation

The cost benchmarking organisation would establish the database requirements and infrastructure, organise the services around input and output of data, and commence population with any available pre-existing data from participating members. The schedule for population would likely be driven by the availability of, and needs for, particular data, as well as comparisons by participating entities. The service would begin to be useful even before all data categories were fully populated.