OECD Productivity Framework

The observation that large-scale investments in information technology and digital transformation do not always produce corresponding improvements in measured productivity. The productivity paradox is partly explained by measurement challenges — traditional metrics fail to capture the full value of intangible asset accumulation — and partly by the time lag before complementary intangible investments yield returns.

A set of globally recognised standards published by the International Valuation Standards Council (IVSC) that provide a framework for consistent, transparent, and objective asset valuation. IVS covers the valuation of tangible assets, intangible assets, financial instruments, and businesses, and is increasingly referenced by regulators and accounting standard-setters.

A set of methods for measuring and reporting the economic value of an organisation's workforce, including recruitment costs, training investment, experience, and productivity contributions. Human capital accounting seeks to address the gap between traditional financial reporting and the true value that people create within knowledge-intensive enterprises.

An international regulatory framework developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision that sets minimum capital requirements, leverage ratios, and liquidity standards for banks. Basel III was introduced in response to the 2008 financial crisis and requires banks to hold higher-quality capital (primarily Common Equity Tier 1) against risk-weighted assets, including operational risk and market risk.

The Confederation of British Industry — the United Kingdom's premier business organisation, representing over 190,000 businesses that together employ approximately seven million people. The CBI provides a voice for businesses of all sizes to government, policymakers, and international institutions on issues including productivity, investment, regulation, and trade.

A standardised set of actuarial survivor curves developed at Iowa State University that describe the retirement patterns of industrial property. Iowa curves are classified by shape (L, S, R, O types) and average service life, providing a systematic framework for modelling asset mortality.

The system of statistical methods used to measure a country's overall economic activity, including Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross National Income (GNI), and related aggregates. National income accounting provides the framework for tracking economic output, income distribution, saving, investment, and international trade flows.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development — an intergovernmental body of 38 member countries committed to promoting policies that improve economic and social well-being. The OECD plays a pivotal role in intangible asset and productivity research, producing influential studies on the measurement and economic impact of intangible investment, knowledge-based capital, and innovation.

The AI Productivity Paradox: Why Trillions in AI Spending Aren't Moving the Needle

Global AI investment has surpassed $500 billion annually, yet total factor productivity growth remains stubbornly flat. This is Solow's paradox reborn: you can see AI everywhere except in the productivity statistics. History tells us why — and what needs to change.