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. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, River Thames and Westminster Bridge

    Taxing choices: Taking the public’s temperature ahead of the budget

    The stakes for a government are rarely higher than at a budget. Every chancellor has dealt with this differently. Ken Clarke would draft his budget speech with cigars and whisky, Gordon Brown pored over every word in what officials called…
  2. Scottish parliament building at Holyrood and Calton Hill, Edinburgh

    Great expectations: Rejuvenating the national debate in Scotland

    Fresh IPPR Scotland polling shows that politicians must raise their game if next year’s election is a to be serious debate about the challenges facing Scotland and potential solutions. 
  3. A Black man in a bright orange high vis jacket and hard hat stands in the middle of a road holding a sign that says 'STOP - WORKS'

    Unfinished business: Redressing inequality in British policy and Black lives

    As conversations about race and equality continue to evolve, Black History Month remains a powerful invitation to pause, reflect, and recommit to progress.