Arvonlisäyksen

Arvonlisäys, often translated as value added, refers to the increase in worth of a product or service at each stage of the production or distribution process. It represents the difference between the selling price of a product and the cost of the intermediate goods and services used in its creation. Essentially, it's the contribution a business makes to a good or service that makes it more valuable to the customer.

In economics, arvonlisäys is a key component in calculating Gross Domestic Product (GDP). GDP can be measured by summing up the total value added at all stages of production across an economy. This method avoids double-counting the value of intermediate goods. For example, a baker adds value to flour, sugar, and eggs by transforming them into a cake. The value of the cake minus the cost of the ingredients is the arvonlisäys generated by the baker.

Businesses aim to maximize their arvonlisäys by improving efficiency, innovation, branding, marketing, and customer service. It's a measure of productivity and a fundamental concept for understanding economic activity and the creation of wealth. Different sectors of the economy contribute varying amounts of arvonlisäys, reflecting their complexity and the skills involved in their operations.