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Concepts and Challenges of Measuring Production of Artificial Intelligence in the U.S. Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Tina Highfill
  • David Wasshausen
  • Gregory Prunchak

Abstract

Much of the current literature on the economic impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) focuses on the uses of AI, but little is known about the production of AI and its contribution to economic growth. In this paper, we discuss basic concepts and challenges related to measuring the production of AI within a standard national accounting framework. We first present a variety of examples that illustrate how both the production and use of AI software are currently reflected in macroeconomic statistics like Gross Domestic Product and the Supply and Use Tables. We then discuss a broader approach to measurement using a thematic satellite account framework that highlights production of AI across foundational areas, including manufacturing, software publishing, computer and data services, and research & development. The challenges of identifying and quantifying AI production in the national accounts using existing data sources are discussed and some possible solutions for the future are offered.

Suggested Citation

  • Tina Highfill & David Wasshausen & Gregory Prunchak, 2025. "Concepts and Challenges of Measuring Production of Artificial Intelligence in the U.S. Economy," BEA Papers 0134, Bureau of Economic Analysis.
    • Handle: RePEc:bea:papers:0134
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    File URL: https://www.bea.gov/system/files/papers/BEA-WP2025-1.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Flavio Calvino & Chiara Criscuolo & Hélène Dernis & Lea Samek, 2023. "What technologies are at the core of AI?: An exploration based on patent data," OECD Artificial Intelligence Papers 6, OECD Publishing.
    2. Erik Brynjolfsson & Danielle Li & Lindsey Raymond, 2023. "Generative AI at Work," Papers 2304.11771, arXiv.org, revised Nov 2024.
    3. Daron Acemoglu, 2024. "The Simple Macroeconomics of AI," NBER Working Papers 32487, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    4. Bruce T. Grimm & Brent R. Moulton & David B. Wasshausen, 2005. "Information-Processing Equipment and Software in the National Accounts," NBER Chapters, in: Measuring Capital in the New Economy, pages 363-402, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E01 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - Measurement and Data on National Income and Product Accounts and Wealth; Environmental Accounts
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General

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