STRIDE Working Paper 2 presents the methodological and technical foundations of one of the project’s key tools: the STRIDE interactive map. This Working Paper explains how the map was designed, developed and structured to support evidence-informed policymaking on equity and inclusion in education and training across Europe.
Turning data into accessible evidence
Education inequalities and policy reforms generate vast amounts of data, yet this information is often fragmented, difficult to access or challenging to interpret. Working Paper 2 addresses this gap by documenting the creation of an open, interactive and user-friendly tool that brings together:
- Longitudinal inequality indicators, and
- Systematically coded national education policy reforms,
covering European countries over a 25-year period.
The Working Paper outlines how the interactive map compiles, visualises and disseminates this information in a way that supports comparative analysis, transparency and informed policy reflection.
A dual focus: indicators and policy reforms
A central contribution of Working Paper 2 is the explanation of the map’s two complementary interfaces:
- The inequality indicators map, which visualises trends and disparities in educational outcomes over time;
- The policy reforms map, which documents and categorises education reforms aimed at addressing inequality and inclusion.
By integrating quantitative indicators with qualitative policy metadata, the map enables users to explore not only what inequalities look like across countries, but also how policy responses have evolved and interacted over time.
Methodology grounded in research and usability
The Working Paper details the methodological choices underpinning the map’s development, drawing on best practices in data visualisation, dashboard design and interactive mapping. It explains how the tool supports strategic, operational and analytical use, allowing users to:
- Compare countries and trends at a glance,
- Track changes in indicators and reforms over time,
- Download datasets and country reports for deeper analysis.
Throughout the development process, the design of the map was informed by expert input, stakeholder feedback and consortium discussions, ensuring that the tool responds to the needs of researchers, policymakers and practitioners alike.
An open and flexible technical framework
Working Paper 2 also provides a detailed account of the map’s technical architecture, highlighting the decision to adopt a fully customisable, open-source solution. By building the map using flexible web technologies, STRIDE ensures that the platform is:
- Adaptable and expandable over time,
- Interoperable with other datasets and tools,
- Freely accessible without registration barriers.
This approach supports the long-term sustainability of the tool and its use beyond the lifespan of the project.
Supporting STRIDE’s broader objectives
As part of STRIDE’s wider research strategy, Working Paper 2 plays a key role in translating complex data into actionable knowledge. The interactive map complements other project outputs — including country case studies, policy analysis and trend reports — and strengthens STRIDE’s contribution to equity-focused, evidence-informed education policy.
