A statistical framework for the analysis of productivity and sustainable development

To analyse the consequences of the changing economic structure of the UK, we need a set of statistics broken down by industry that are consistent with the whole economy measures available from the national accounts. The theory of growth accounting then provides a framework in which the contribution of each industry to the national economy can be measured and assessed. This paper identifies the obstacles currently facing a researcher trying to implement this approach. It makes a number of recommendations for the improvement of official statistics.