Developing thematic satellite accounts
The example of a thematic satellite account for transport
The 2008 System of National Accounts (SNA) provides the international standards for
compiling macro-economic statistics. In addition to the core set of accounts, the
2008 SNA also introduces satellite accounts, which are linked to, but distinct from,
the central framework of national accounts. One type of satellite accounts involves
some rearrangement of central classifications and the possible introduction of complementary
elements, to give a more detailed description and monitoring of a certain theme, such
as tourism, education, health, the digital economy and transport. They may involve
some differences from the standards applied in the central framework, but they generally
do not change the underlying concepts of the SNA in a fundamental way. The second
type of satellite analysis is mainly based on concepts that are alternatives to those
of the SNA. They may include a different production boundary, an enlarged concept
of consumption or capital formation, an extension of the scope of assets, and so on.
There is a growing demand for satellite accounts, especially for the first type of
thematic satellite accounts. This paper aims to clarify the key steps for the compilation
of such thematic satellite accounts, using the example of a satellite account for
transport.
Published on August 24, 2021
In series:OECD Statistics Working Papersview more titles