Problems with the Federal Economic Statistical System and Some Alternatives for Improvement |
| |
| Authors: | Burton G. Malkiel |
| |
| Affiliation: | Department of Economics , Princeton University , Princeton , NJ , 08540 , USA |
| |
| Abstract: | This article identifies four problems with the present federal statistical system for economics: (1) lack of comparability of data series; (2) fragmentation and poor data quality; (3) nonoptimal funding patterns; and (4) susceptibility of the system to politicization. Full centralization of the system appears to be both impractical and undesirable as a solution; however, considerable consolidation in the statistics collection process and a substantial increase in the number and professional quality of personnel devoted to planning, developing, and coordinating the federal statistical system are recommended. |
| |
| Keywords: | Statistical reorganization U.S. economic statistics Federal statistical issues Centralization of statistical system Coordination of federal statistical system |
|
|
