The Measure of Progress: Counting What Really Matters - Diane Coyle 有声书下载

"The Measure of Progress: Counting What Really Matters" is a thought-provoking book by Diane Coyle, a renowned economist and the Bennett Professor of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge. Published in early April 2025 by Princeton University Press, this book builds on Coyle's previous work, including her bestseller "GDP: A Brief but Affectionate History".

Book Overview

Coyle argues that the economic statistics we rely on today are outdated, rooted in a framework developed in the 1940s when the economic challenges were vastly different from those of the modern world. These metrics, she contends, distort policymakers' understanding of the current digital economy and hinder their ability to address issues such as slowing growth and the impact of technological innovation.

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The Measure of Progress: Counting What Really Matters - Diane Coyle 有声书下载

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Key Arguments

Outdated Framework: The current system of national accounts (SNA) and GDP measurements were designed to address the economic problems of the mid-20th century, focusing on physical capital and demand management. Today, intangible assets like knowledge, health, and the environment are more critical, yet they are poorly captured by existing metrics.
Digital Economy Challenges: The rise of the digital economy has introduced new complexities. For example, dematerialization (goods bundled with services), the proliferation of "free" digital goods, and the difficulty of valuing data and intellectual property make it hard to measure economic value accurately.
Need for New Metrics: Coyle advocates for a new framework that better reflects today's economic realities. She suggests that comprehensive wealth measures, which include physical, natural, human, social, and knowledge capital, could provide a more accurate picture of economic progress. She also proposes considering time-accounting to assess how effectively we use our time.

Impact and Relevance

Coyle emphasizes that economic data guides decisions affecting all aspects of life, from government policies to individual choices. By improving these metrics, we can foster more inclusive and sustainable growth. The book is a call to action for economists, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding and shaping the future of our economy.

Reception

The book has sparked significant discussion. While some critics argue that Coyle's proposals may not fully address the complexities of modern economies, others praise her for highlighting the urgent need to update our economic measurement tools. Overall, "The Measure of Progress" is a compelling read that challenges conventional thinking and offers fresh perspectives on how we can better measure and understand economic progress in the digital age.

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