UK panel backs ONS work on AI and data in national accounts

The Advisory Panel on National Accounts reviewed a broad ONS agenda covering digitalisation, intangible assets and updates to international macroeconomic standards. Members supported continued work on treating data as an asset under SNA2025, with preliminary estimates planned from December 2026 and further thematic account development expected from 2027 to 2029 before formal inclusion in GFCF and GDP in 2030.

ONS is developing a UK AI Thematic Account to make AI-related production, investment and use more visible in economic statistics. The panel backed a practical first version focused on AI software and supporting infrastructure, while calling for clearer scope, international engagement and more work on embedded AI, imports, own-account development, product categories and deflation. ONS aims to assess the feasibility and value of further account development by March 2027.

Other discussions covered cloud computing, seasonal adjustment, supply-use balancing, productivity measurement, negative FISIM, crypto assets and implementation of SNA2025 and BPM7. The panel generally favoured proportionate, evidence-led change, stronger respondent guidance, continued user engagement and more quality assurance before major methodological revisions are introduced.