The Scandinavian contribution to national accounting

Abstract

This paper surveys developments in national accounting theory and methodology in Scandinavia, with the focus on the period from around 1930 to around 1955 when modern national accounting was born. Sections 2-4 provide a chronology by countries and authors, with particular attention paid to the pioneering efforts of Ragnar Frisch and Erik Lindahl. Drawing on these, sections 5 and 6 summarize by subject matter the ideas contributed to national accounting by Scandinavian economists. Developments since 1955 are noted briefly in section 7.