Push for artificial intelligence: India is turning from man to machines to get its economic data right

India is turning from man to machines to improve the quality and speed of its economic data, which has been criticized as inadequate, delayed or even confusing due to sharp and unexpected revisions.

The Ministry of Statistics is ramping up use of artificial intelligence for collecting, analyzing and reporting data to better monitor the economy. The measures include a $60 million program with World Bank help using an information portal that collates real-time data.

“Because of the changing landscape, there’s a growing need for more and more data, faster data and also more refined data products,” Statistics Secretary Kshatrapati Shivaji said in an interview. With end-to-end computerization, “this type of automation will enhance the quality, credibility and timeliness of data.”