The System of National Accounts: Review of major issues and proposals for future work (Part I)

Abstract

The System of National Accounts (SNA) is to be seen as a framework of the system of economic statistics. As a result, the extensive review of SNA, which is currently under way, is of particular importance. The review aims at updating and clarifying the 1968 version of SNA, and adaptations may be incorporated in order to enhance consistency among international statistical systems. The review will lead to the publication of a Handbook of National Accounting series that will provide guidance to national accountants – primarily in the developing countries – in implementing SNA and related standards.

Major issues to be reviewed occur, first of all, in the accounting structure and in sectoring. The feasibility of harmonizing the SNA and the European system of integrated economic accounts (ESA) will be fully explored. Investigations into the possibilities to integrate macro and micro concepts and classifications, and the sectoring of enterprises, households and non-profit institutions as well as the public sector also fall under this heading. A second major field of review relates to the development of balance sheets and reconciliation accounts. The effects of inflation on the measurement of income, the treatment of land, subsoil and intangible assets and financial leasing need to be reconsidered.