Do we measure shadow economy correctly?
Do we measure shadow economy correctly?

Summary/Abstract: This article aims at presenting the approach of national statistical institutes to the issue of the size of the shadow economy estimated in national accounts as a GDP component in the light of rapid changes in the global economy. The creation of value added and its market pricing are considered as criteria for inclusion activities to the shadow economy. Methodological problems like production boundaries, legal and illegal shadow economy activities were raised. Official statistics on the shadow economy were confronted with independent estimates. It is argued that the official estimates of the shadow economy should serve as the benchmark for experts from different disciplines of sciences interested in this phenomenon. The more elaborated economic theory of the shadow economy could diminish confusion over estimates of the shadow economy.

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