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GDP alternatives revisited: A systematic review and thematic analysis of barriers to the adoption of alternative measures of economic progress

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  • Taylor, Tania Smith
  • O'Hara, Sabine

Abstract

A considerable body of work argues that GDP is not a measure of social welfare and distorts the impact of economic activity. Given its well-documented shortcomings, a plethora of alternative measures have been developed to correct the welfare distortions of GDP. Collectively they are known as Beyond GDP (BGDP) measures. However, none of the alternatives proposed over the past 50 years have been widely adopted. This study examines the lack of progress toward the adoption of an alternative measure to GDP using a systematic review of the BGDP literature as its starting point for examining barriers to adopting BGDP measures. Of the 1211 publications that met our inclusion criteria, we found that only 2% (27) discussed barriers to the adoption of BGDP measures. We also found a considerable lack of public sector considerations despite the fact that government agencies are typically the ones collecting and analyzing data on GDP and other economic, social, and environmental indicators.

Suggested Citation

  • Taylor, Tania Smith & O'Hara, Sabine, 2026. "GDP alternatives revisited: A systematic review and thematic analysis of barriers to the adoption of alternative measures of economic progress," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 245(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:245:y:2026:i:c:s0921800926000546
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2026.108969
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