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Beyond GDP indicators: A tension between powerful stakeholders and transformative potential?

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  • Olivier Malay

    (UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN, Institut de Recherches Economiques et Sociales (IRES) and Hoover Chair of Economic and Social Ethics)

Abstract

The last four decades have seen a proliferation of new indicators aiming to challenge GDP. But do they really produce new outcomes? By observing the rankings they produce (compared to those produced by GDP), the potential of 6 Beyond GDP indicators for indicating a way towards a better society has been examined. The conclusion is reached that rankings from indicators supported by powerful stakeholders are highly correlated with rankings according to GDP, demonstrating a low transformative potential.

Suggested Citation

  • Olivier Malay, 2017. "Beyond GDP indicators: A tension between powerful stakeholders and transformative potential?," LIDAM Discussion Papers IRES 2017018, Université catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherches Economiques et Sociales (IRES).
    • Handle: RePEc:ctl:louvir:2017018
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