New technologies and role of direct surveys in the production of Official Statistics

Abstract

[EN] The technological development applied to statistical data collection processes, that has taken place in recent years, and the increasing availability of alternative statistical sources, notably administrative and so-called “sensor”, is leading to a profound revision of the role of direct surveys, also in the context of Official Statistics. The objective of this article, based on the experiences in progress in ISTAT (Italian National Statistical Institute) is to evaluate the status of the transition towards a more modern, efficient and sustainable way of conducting direct surveys, in a set of specific areas, providing examples and targeted analysis. This analysis will help to build a general framework towards which the collection of Official Statistics data will converge in the next years. In the above mentioned framework the analysis will mainly involve three converging macro areas: a) individuation of efficient management set-up of data collection processes; b) application of innovative techniques in the data collection of traditional direct surveys; c) aspects related to the availability of new alternative sources to those currently used in the production of official statistics.