Will Official Statistics Become Obsolete?

Abstract

As new data actors arise and data become more accessible, official statistics' role as the primary creator of statistics and distributor of information for policymaking is being tested. A data actor can be any entity involved in production, manipulation, and analysis or dissemination of any type of data. The need for more resources grows. New technologies enable a level of recording, integration, and analysis that have never been possible before. This article addresses National Statistical Offices’ changing role, taking into consideration a lack of investment in data and outdated data, out-of-date legal frameworks and data-access laws, and privacy restrictions.