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:

  1. New technologies, business models and economic goals require significant improvements in the measurement of key economic statistics.
  2. New indicators of economic outcomes can better define and measure the goals of economic policy.

Related items

  1. “I feel quite unsettled and unsafe”: Young people, belonging, and the broken promise of childhood

    Young people in England feel less secure, supported and connected than a decade ago. Based on nearly 200 conversations, this blog explores why childhood feels more stressful and less joyful.
  2. A photograph from below of the grand Manchester town hall building on a sunny day against a blue sky

    On home ground: The future of devolution

    Andy Burnham has pledged to deliver “the biggest rebalancing of power the country has ever seen”. The key task for the new government is putting this into action.
  3. A photo of police officer and a community support officer walking down a quiet street in Kent

    The legitimacy trap

    Why a more active state needs better statecraft.