PUBLIC AND PRIVATE-SECTOR USES OF ECONOMIC CENSUS-DATA

This article describes the principal uses of the data collected in the Economic Census. Namely, the data serve as a framework and statistica l benchmark for current economic surveys; as source data for calculati ng composite measures of the nation's economy; and as the basis for pl anning and monitoring of national, state, and local economic policies and programs. The data also are used for research, planning, marketing , and management by private sector businesses. In addition, they are i mportant for measuring and tracking changes in economic activity.