Economic statistics are fundamental to evidence-based policy making and the decisions we all make. To serve their purpose, they need to keep up with constantly changing economies, drawing on new data sources and the best available methods.
The Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence (ESCoE) brings a research-led approach to measuring the economy. Established in 2017 with the support of the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS), ESCoE is a hub of world-leading expertise, supporting cultural change in the delivery of economic statistics.
The Centre fosters collaboration between statistics producers, academia, policymakers and other data users, and raises the profile of economic measurement issues. To do this, we have a network of around 90 Research Associates, 8 PhD students and 25 partner organisations who use advanced tools from economic theory, econometrics and data science, mathematics and statistics to advance economic measurement.
ESCoE research is carried out within six broad research programmes: national accounts; net zero, climate change and the environment; labour markets and households; beyond GDP and inclusive wealth; productivity, innovation and business dynamism; and subnational statistics. We also work on communicating and valuing economic statistics, the measurement of time use, and a historical data repository.
ESCoE’s activities are underpinned by the regular publication and dissemination of research papers through our ESCoE Publications, and by the delivery of a series of events, including Research Seminars, Workshops, Conferences (including the annual ESCoE Conference on Economic Measurement), as well as ad hoc discussion and networking events.
ESCoE is hosted by King’s Business School (King’s College London). It is led by Professor Rebecca Riley, and supported by Professor Paul Mizen, Operations Director Sarah Sheppard and Engagement Director Darren Morgan. ESCoE has a wider Leadership Executive representing key partner institutions and an Advisory Board drawn from government, the private sector, the media and international organisations.