Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Capability Framework?
The National Capability Framework is an open-source taxonomy of 250+ measurable capabilities across three dimensions of national power: Hard Capability (physical and material power), Soft Capability (human, social and institutional strength), and Economic Capability (financial and productive capacity). It provides a structured, common language for assessing and comparing national strength.
Who is the framework for?
The framework is designed for policymakers, researchers, strategists, analysts and data scientists working on national power assessment, geopolitical benchmarking and cross-nation comparison. It is also used by academic institutions and think tanks studying dimensions of national strength.
How is the framework structured?
The framework is organised into four hierarchical levels: Dimensions (3) at the top, then Domains (9), Capability Groups (68), and individual Capabilities (254). Each item has a unique identifier (e.g. GINC-HPOW-CTEC-AINT) that enables precise referencing and data linkage.
What are the three dimensions?
Hard Capability covers critical technologies, strategic infrastructure and national security. Soft Capability spans human capital, information and influence, and governance and integrity. Economic Capability encompasses financial strength, productivity and innovation, and trade and investment.
Is the framework free to use?
Yes. The National Capability Framework is released as an open-source resource under a Creative Commons licence. It can be freely used for research, analysis, policy development and educational purposes with appropriate attribution.
How often is the framework updated?
The framework follows a versioned release cycle. The current stable release is v1.0, published in March 2026. Working versions (marked as "proposed") may be available for preview on the Reference page. Updates reflect new capabilities, revised groupings and community feedback.
Can I download the framework data?
Yes. The framework is available for download in both JSON and XLS formats from the Explore page. The data includes all capabilities with their identifiers, names, descriptions, and hierarchical relationships.
How are capabilities defined?
Each capability is defined through a structured process that includes a name, headline, description, strategic context, and key indicators. The methodology page explains the definition and validation process in detail.
How can I contribute or provide feedback?
We welcome contributions and feedback from researchers, practitioners and domain experts. Please reach out via the contact details on the About page or through our social media channels.
What is GINC?
GINC (Global Institute for National Capability) is the organisation behind the National Capability Framework. It is a collaborative research initiative focused on developing shared frameworks for understanding national capability in the 21st century.