Globalisation – new needs for statistical measurement

Issue title: Special issue on Globalistaion

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lynch, Robin^a | Clayton, Tony^b

Affiliations: [a] National Accounts, Office for National Statistics, 1 Drummond Gate, London SW1V 2QQ, UK. Tel.: +44 20 7533 5094; Fax: +44 20 7533 5189; E-mail: [email protected] | [b] New Economy Measurement, Office for National Statistics, 1 Drummond Gate, London SW1V 2QQ, UK. Tel.: +44 20 7533 5913; Fax: +44 20 7533 5189; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: The paper reviews developments in measurement of globalised markets, and in activities of multinational firms which affect measurement issues. In addition to providing evidence on differences in structure of multinational units measured as reporting units in national surveys, it considers four aspects of globalisation which are affecting the business of the UK Office for National Statistics. (1) The effects of vertical disintegration in value chains, the increasing specialisation by firms in specific processes and some examples of what it means for measurement. (2) Measurement issues associated with national units in multinationals. (3) The role of intangibles, especially those which can be transferred within and between firms, or sold to consumers electronically without requiring any physical transfer. (4) Financial flows of capital, or payments for goods and services by multinationals.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-2003-20207

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 121-134, 2003