Measuring what matters: Improving the indicators of economic performance
Article
Over recent years there has been increasing concern among economists and statisticians, and a variety of commentators and organisations in civil society, about whether the current range of economic indicators accurately measure key aspects of economic behaviour and performance.
This discussion paper sets out two key propositions on rethinking the way we measure the economy and define economic success:
- New technologies, business models and economic goals require significant improvements in the measurement of key economic statistics.
- New indicators of economic outcomes can better define and measure the goals of economic policy.
Related items

The Europe agenda: Energy and climate
A redefined relationship with Europe is the most direct path to the UK's climate and energy goals.
The loneliest generation: What it is like to grow up in England today
Connection should be the fabric that binds society together. But today’s young people have never felt more disconnected.
Bottleneck Britain: How digital competition could power UK growth and sovereignty
Artificial intelligence could be the UK’s biggest economic opportunity in a generation, but only if its gains are spread across the economy rather than pooled within a handful of companies.