Economic research is a critical function at the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and is conducted by staff in each of the program offices as well as the Office of the Chief Economist. BEA researchers produce a wide variety of articles, papers, and working papers, as well as regularly participate at professional meetings around the world. BEA researchers also produce a wide variety of methodological and statistical reports to support the continued improvement of the U.S. System of National Accounts.
Within BEA, a substantial number of researchers are actively involved in research on a full slate of issues of interest to the Bureau. BEA encourages these researchers to engage in independent research related to BEA statistics and their uses and supports publication of their work in professional journals and other academic venues.
BEA also supports research by academics on these issues through the Special Sworn Employee program, by making data available, by supporting National Science Foundation (NSF) proposals that deal with issues of interest to us, and by supporting a fellowship program with the American Statistical Association and National Science Foundation.