2023-06-06-ADB-Toward_a_Common_and_Comparable_Framework_for_Measuring_the_Digital_Economy_13页_329kb

Summary of ADBI Policy Brief No. 2023-4 on Measuring the Digital Economy

G20 Progress and Challenges

The G20 has made significant strides in developing measurement frameworks for the digital economy, including the publication of a toolkit in 2018 and a roadmap for comparability in 2020. Challenges persist in achieving global consensus due to disparities in data infrastructure and collection capacities between developed and developing countries, differing national priorities, and varying methodological definitions.

Methodologies

Two main measurement approaches are used:

1. Bottom-up: Starts from micro units (industries/firms) using existing statistics (e.g., input-output tables). Includes narrower definitions (ADB, OECD/BEA). Provides more discrete data points.
2. Top-down: Starts at the macro level (GDP) to estimate micro-level effects. Accounts for spillovers more broadly and tends to yield higher estimates. Includes concepts like free goods and services, potentially offering broader coverage.

Common methodologies include frameworks by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) in the US, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) collaborations. ADB and BEA/OECD use input-output/supply-use data, while GDP-B measures welfare gains from free digital goods.

Key Findings

• Digital economy contribution to GDP is consistently rising worldwide.
• Estimates vary significantly between bottom-up and top-down methodologies.
• Top-down estimates are generally higher than bottom-up estimates.
• Factors influencing spillover estimates include levels of digitization and its integration with traditional sectors.
• Significant data gaps exist in developing countries.

Recommendations

• Adopt a bifocal approach:
  • Short-term: Bring all countries, especially developing ones, up to speed on providing estimates based on a narrow definition (minimum set of comparable data points). Target for developing countries is achievable by 2024.
  • Long-term: Develop and test a broader framework capturing newer digital aspects (e.g., free goods/services, Web 3, metaverse) and ensuring inclusivity and adaptability.
• Focus on improving data collection infrastructures and statistical capacities globally.
• Continuously refine measurement methodologies to keep pace with technological advancements.
• Improve international comparability standards.