he application of network theory in official statistics

Abstract

The challenges faced by official statistics in the 21st century are manifold. We are surrounded by systems that are becoming substantially more complex. The emergence of new phenomena, such as globalisation, digitalisation, has increased the complexity of the reality that needs to be meaningfully and timeously captured by official statistics; it has resulted in the development of new patterns, routes, and types of data, giving us the opportunity to further improve the relevance of statistics. In response to these trends, we need to find new tools and methods for the measurement of these dynamic phenomena. Network theory is an innovative approach that can help us handle the complexity of the 21st century. However, so far it has not featured in mainstream official statistics.