Official Statistics Today: Choosing the Path of Development

Building on the analysis of the current state of state statistics in Russia, the author formulates development priorities for the national statistical system (NSS) amid digitalization and scarcity of resources. The paper explains the NSS focus on the use of records and state registers as the information basis of official statistics. It is proposed to consider Big Data as a source of additional information that requires verification and adjustments when generating official statistics.The article justifies the need to preserve the system of traditional statistical surveys that allows for measuring phenomena and processes in society and the economy, including characteristics that are not registered when events are recorded by authorities. The author emphasizes the relevance of this system when implementing an essential function of state statistical bodies – creating an integrated information and statistical space in the country.