Info Capacity| A Meta Study of 26 “How Much Information” Studies: Sine Qua Nons and Solutions

István Dienes

Abstract


This article compares 26 “How Much Information” (HMI) studies according to several sine-qua-non components: geographical scope, actors and sectors covered, products observed, their stocks and flows, raw and target indicators, nomenclatures, and concepts of information. Typical weaknesses are identified. After a short summary of the lessons from the 50 years of history of national accounting (used in economics), this work suggests that the main indicators and methodology of HMI studies be standardized in accordance with the logic of Systems of National Accounts (SNA), resulting in a kind of Standard System of National Information Accounts (SSNIA). Interests of all nations would then be reflected in such a process of standardization.

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