The General Data Dissemination System (GDDS)—A Reflection on its First 12 Years and Plans for Taking it Forward
IMF Working Papers, December 1, 2009
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Bibliographic details
- Authors: Robin D Kibuka, Charles Enoch
- Published: December 1, 2009
- Series: IMF Working Papers
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451874235.001
Overview and Purpose
- Reviews developments in the last 12 years that influenced the evolution of the IMF's General Data Dissemination System (GDDS).
- Places the GDDS within the broader IMF Data Standards Initiative launched in 1996 to help address macroeconomic data deficiencies that contributed to emerging economies' financial crisis during the early 1990s.
- Takes stock of experience with statistical technical assistance provided to member countries and of ongoing reforms, both within and outside the IMF, to strengthen the GDDS.
- Emphasizes the increased relevance of such reforms in the context of the ongoing economic and financial crisis, underscoring the role of statistics in guiding policymakers to strengthen defenses against future crises.
Major Developments and Evolution (first 12 years)
- The paper examines reforms intended to enhance the GDDS's role in improving data dissemination and quality.
- Reviews how experience with statistical technical assistance influenced GDDS reforms.
- Considers external reforms (outside the IMF) relevant to strengthening the GDDS.
Relationship to IMF Data Standards Initiative and Other Standards
- GDDS is a component of the IMF Data Standards Initiative (launched in 1996).
- The review references related statistical frameworks and standards, including:
- Data Quality Assessment Framework (DQAF)
- Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS)
- Broad subject focus: Data dissemination, International capital markets
Policy Implications and Relevance to Crises
- Reforms to strengthen the GDDS are presented as particularly relevant given the ongoing economic and financial crisis at the time of writing.
- The paper highlights the role of accurate, timely statistics in guiding policymakers to bolster defenses against future crises.
- Implicit policy direction: reinforce statistical technical assistance and continue reforms of data dissemination standards to improve macroeconomic data quality.