"Closing the digital divide and bringing home the benefits of the information society are important concerns to member countries of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). For policymakers to accurately determine which development strategies will be the most effective, a comparable and clear measurement model is vital. Key indicators need to be defined and statistical models that can be used to assess the current status of the information society, measure its many facets and monitor progress towards its realization must be developed. In order to be maximally effective, standardized indicators must be relevant to a wide variety of national circumstances and cultural contexts. This study aims to set guidelines for the development of a common benchmarking measurement model for the ESCWA region. It presents an overview of the information society in the region and the global information society measurement models. It explores the interplay between the value of evidence-based decision-making, the limitations of available data, the relevance of existing models and the diverse regional contexts. It concludes with recommendations for adjustments and refinements to available measurement methodologies and benchmarking models. With these insights, decision makers in public and private sectors will be empowered with more useful information to drive effective decision-making."--Cover 4.