The Information Index: Theory of Actionable Information and Control Potential

The Information Index is a foundational theory within Persistence Science that provides the formal interpretation of the quantity I appearing within the control function C(I) of the Odero Persistence Axiom. Unlike classical information theories that quantify uncertainty reduction or message content, the Information Index defines information by its capacity to increase control effectiveness and improve persistence outcomes. The theory introduces a measurable Information Index (I), develops classifications of informational states, proposes laws governing information growth and decay, and establishes actionable information as the informational basis of the control function that governs energy utilization and persistence. Central to the framework is the proposition that information becomes actionable through Accuracy, Timeliness, and Feedback (TFA), which together determine the actionability of information and its influence on control potential. The Information Index establishes information as the informational foundation of Persistence Science and provides a formal bridge linking information, control, energy allocation, and persistence.