Measuring the Non-Observed Economy in Switzerland

The purpose of maintaining a system of national accounts (SNA) is to enable an accurate and comprehensive representation of a country’s economic activity. Working on behalf of the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, Rütter Soceco, now part of EBP, assessed how the non-observed economy, especially illegal activities und underground production can be better represented in the Swiss SNA. To establish a better overview, we examined various country-based studies and international frameworks. We then developed ways of accounting for selected subareas of the non-observed economy.