Research is crucial to keeping BEA's statistics relevant in an ever-changing economy. Research provides the foundation for innovation, including the development of new ways to measure the U.S. and global economies. Economists and statisticians spread across BEA's main program areas are engaged in cutting-edge research along with BEA's Office of the Chief Economist and Chief Data Scientist.
BEA supports academic research through several channels. BEA's Special Sworn Researcher Program provides access to BEA data under strict confidentiality guidelines for the purpose of advancing scientific knowledge.
Academic and government researchers discuss their findings with fellow researchers at BEA through the Seminar Speaker Series. These guest lectures, held either on-site at BEA in Suitland, Md., or as virtual meetings, are open to federal employees and academics. For more information, email Guest_Lectures@bea.gov.
ResearchResearch in the Office of the Chief Economist
Research to refine existing measures and develop new statistics.
ResearchResearch in the National Accounts
Topics include measuring gross domestic product, consumer spending, personal income, prices, industries, and special topics such as the digital economy.
ResearchResearch in the International Accounts
Focused on international transactions, trade, international services, direct investment, and activities of multinational enterprises.
ResearchResearch in the Regional Accounts
Issues related to measuring the economies of states, counties, and metro areas.