International Progresses, Challenges and Suggestions of Digital Supply-Use Tables

Abstract

In recent years, the digital economy has developed rapidly, empowering traditional industries with obvious advantages, and has become a “new engine” driving economic growth, occupying an important position in the development strategies of many countries around the world. In this context, it is urgent to carry out systematic research on statistical measurement of the digital economy, improve the statistical system of the digital economy, and provide support for fully unleashing the driving force of the digital economy on traditional industries and promoting high-quality development of the digital economy.

This paper provides a systematic review of statistical measurement methods for the digital economy, including calculating its added value, compiling related indices, and developing digital economy satellite accounts. It evaluates the characteristics and applicability of these methods, with particular emphasis on the Digital Supply-Use Tables (Digital SUTs). The advantages of Digital SUTs are highlighted, especially their capacity to reflect the development level of the digital economy and its integration with traditional industries. Additionally, the paper reviews recent advancements in measuring priority statistical indicators for Digital SUTs, drawing on contributions from organizations such as the United Nations Statistics Division, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Eurostat, the International Monetary Fund, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Statistics Canada, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and the National Bureau of Statistics of China. Key topics include measuring the digital economy’s scale, e-commerce statistics, digital intermediary services, and data asset valuation. Challenges in statistical measurement are discussed, and corresponding recommendations are proposed.

This study makes two key contributions to the literature. First, it focuses on the Digital SUTs, a critical element of the upcoming 2025 revision of the International Standard for National Economic Accounting. Many international organizations and national statistical agencies are advancing theoretical research and practical preparations for Digital SUTs to enhance global comparability in digital economy statistics. By benchmarking against international standards, this study aids in improving the international alignment of China’s digital economy statistics. Second, the paper enriches both theoretical and practical perspectives on digital economy measurement, offering a systematic review of international experiences while addressing challenges and obstacles.

This research provides innovative directions for digital economy statistical monitoring. It seeks to refine the statistical measurement system, develop accurate accounting methods for tracking the integration of the digital and real economies, and offer methodological references for policymaking. These contributions aim to empower the development of a modern industrial system driven by the digital economy, ultimately promoting the sustainable and high-quality growth of the digital economy.