Journal of Economic Perspectives
ISSN 0895-3309 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7965 (Online)
Evolving Measurement for an Evolving Economy: Thoughts on 21st Century US Economic Statistics
Journal of Economic Perspectives
vol. 33,
no. 1, Winter 2019
(pp. 165–84)
(Complimentary)
Abstract
The system of federal economic statistics developed in the 20th century has served the country well, but the current methods for collecting and disseminating these data products are unsustainable. These statistics are heavily reliant on sample surveys. Recently, however, response rates for both household and business surveys have declined, increasing costs and threatening quality. Existing statistical measures, many developed decades ago, may also miss important aspects of our rapidly evolving economy; moreover, they may not be sufficiently accurate, timely, or granular to meet the increasingly complex needs of data users. Meanwhile, the rapid proliferation of online data and more powerful computation make privacy and confidentiality protections more challenging. There is broad agreement on the need to transform government statistical agencies from the 20th century survey-centric model to a 21st century model that blends structured survey data with administrative and unstructured alternative digital data sources. In this essay, I describe some work underway that hints at what 21st century official economic measurement will look like and offer some preliminary comments on what is needed to get there.Citation
Jarmin, Ron S. 2019. "Evolving Measurement for an Evolving Economy: Thoughts on 21st Century US Economic Statistics." Journal of Economic Perspectives, 33 (1): 165–84. DOI: 10.1257/jep.33.1.165Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- C80 Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs: General
- E01 Measurement and Data on National Income and Product Accounts and Wealth; Environmental Accounts
- C83 Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
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