Beyond-GDP indicators constitute an important tool for managing the economic and social crisis. This crisis is apparent not only in shortterm GDP growth but also in its impacts on inequality, the health of the most vulnerable, malaise at work, etc. The Beyond-GDP indicators not only enable very long-term projection, but can also, as of now, help us to better understand the present crisis in all its social, economic and environmental dimensions.
Highlights:
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BEYOND-GDP INDICATORS, AN OPPORTUNITY FOR POLICY MAKERS
Beyond-GDP indicators, which are intended to complement or replace GDP, are attracting growing interest at local, national and international levels. Given the many limitations of GDP as well as the environmental and social crises, the uptake of Beyond-GDP indicators opens the way for constructing an innovative narrative and giving fresh impetus to the democratic debate. Beyond-GDP indicators thus constitute a window of opportunity for policy makers able to seize it.
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ALTHOUGH RECENTLY PROACTIVE ON THE NEW INDICATORS FRONT, FRANCE IS NOW LAGGING BEHIND
Official authorities in several countries and regions have adopted Beyond-GDP indicators: in Australia, the United-Kingdom, Wales, Belgium, Wallonia and Germany, initiatives for Beyond-GDP indicators have sprung up with top-level support from executive or legislative bodies or administrations. France, a pioneer in thinking on new indicators (Méda, 1999; Gadrey & Jany-Catrice, 2004), proactive at regional level and more recently internationally known for the work of the Stiglitz Commission (2008), is today struggling to have these new indicators officially recognised and effectively used.
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BEYOND-GDP INDICATORS ARE INCREASINGLY EMBEDDED IN POLICYMAKING
It is useful to consider how the Beyond-GDP indicators are put to practical use in countries other than France. Giving Beyond-GDP indicators official status makes no sense if they are not actually used. Today, these indicators have been mobilised to represent new forms of prosperity (symbolic role) and they are beginning to be used in the political arena (political role). In some countries, they appear in a growing number of reports that are amply discussed in the media and regularly commented on in parliament to evaluate governmental actions.
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DOES THE INSTRUMENTAL USE OF BEYOND-GDP INDICATORS NEED DEVELOPPING?
Unlike GDP, Beyond-GDP indicators are not yet used instrumentally (to evaluate specific public policies). Today, there are ongoing debates between those who advocate the symbolic role of Beyond-GDP indicators and those who would like to use them to implement public policy. The role now played by Beyond-GDP indicators should be seen through the historical perspective of GDP, which did not impose itself as a yardstick overnight.
