Results and Findings from Japan’s Survey on Measurement of Data as an Asset

Digital technologies are rapidly transforming economic activities, prompting international discussions on measuring these developments within the System of National Accounts (SNA). The upcoming revision of the 2008 SNA is expected to recommend measuring data as an asset, reflecting the important role data plays in new expanding economic activities driven by digital technologies.

In response, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), Cabinet Office, Government of Japan conducted trial calculations in 2022 and 2023 to estimate the flow and stock of data assets, exploring potential implementation in Japan's SNA. As part of this research, we carried out surveys to gain deeper insight into the characteristics of workers involved in data asset production and to measure its nationwide scale.

Our research findings, particularly the results of these unique online surveys, have garnered international interest. To contribute to the global discourse on measuring data as an asset and disseminate our findings to a broader audience, we are publishing this concise English summary of our survey results and associated insights.