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Making AI Count: The Next Measurement Frontier

In: The Economics of Transformative AI

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  • Diane Coyle
  • John Lourenze Poquiz

Abstract

Generative AI is transforming production, consumption, and work, yet current statistical frameworks would likely struggle to capture its economic full economic impact. While the 2025 System of National Accounts introduces AI as a distinct asset, challenges remain in valuing AI-related investments, inputs, and outputs. Moreover, as a general-purpose technology, AI alters business processes, service quality, and labor organization in ways poorly reflected in official data. This paper outlines key measurement gaps from transformative AI, including the tracking cross-border inputs, quality change, and process changes. We argue that economic statistics should adopt more granular, task-based, and outcome-focused approaches to ensure relevance in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
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Suggested Citation

  • Diane Coyle & John Lourenze Poquiz, 2025. "Making AI Count: The Next Measurement Frontier," NBER Chapters, in: The Economics of Transformative AI, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberch:15307
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Charles Hulten & Leonard Nakamura, 2017. "Accounting for Growth in the Age of the Internet: The Importance of Output-Saving Technical Change," NBER Working Papers 23315, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Philip Trammell & Anton Korinek, 2023. "Economic Growth under Transformative AI," NBER Working Papers 31815, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    3. Diane Coyle & Annabel Manley, 2024. "What is the value of data? A review of empirical methods," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(4), pages 1317-1337, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C80 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - General
    • E01 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - Measurement and Data on National Income and Product Accounts and Wealth; Environmental Accounts
    • E22 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Investment; Capital; Intangible Capital; Capacity
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights
    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence

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