Objectives and challenges

Democracy through information

Information, most of which comes from official public sector statistics, is, by definition, public property. Each citizen must have free access to this information. To enrich public debate, STATEC provides unlimited access to reliable and objective statistical information.

Quality information

Independence and scientific rigour, quality charter, code of practice, constitute STATEC's pledge to provide only the best statistical information. Having always drawn up its results in accordance with best practice, international collaboration, particularly within the European Union, has led to progress in data quality. Quality is understood in the widest sense. Accuracy in collection procedures and mathematical processing is only one aspect of quality. There are others:

  • speed of publication
  • user-friendly access
  • comparability
  • relevance
  • reliability
  • transparency
  • confidentiality

To achieve this aim, STATEC emphasises dialogue and external auditing. Its activities and work programme are analysed and assessed within the Higher Council for Statistics(CSS).

The IMF SDDS dissemination standard

Since 12 May 2006, STATEC's economic and financial indicators comply with the International Monetary Fund's dissemination standard (SDDS). Luxembourg is the 64th member.

Since 18 November 2019, STATEC's economic and financial indicators comply with the International Monetary Fund's Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) Plus

The SDDS Plus, the highest tier of the Data Standards Initiatives, provides a series of rules on the number and quality of economic and financial indicators, publication deadlines and the manner in which these indicators are documented.

Detailed information on the Data Standards Initiatives can be found on the Dissemination Standards Bulletin Board

The European Statistics Code of Practice

This code, first adopted by the European Statistical System Committee (ESSC) on 24th of February 2005 for the National Statistical Authorities and Eurostat (EU statistical authority), aims at two main objectives:

  • Improving trust and confidence in the independence, integrity and accountability of the statistical authorities and in the credibility and quality of the statistics they produce
  • Promoting the application of best international statistical principles, methods and practices to enhance the quality of these statistics.

This recent Code of Practice is based on 16 principles. Public and statistical authorities in the European Union have committed to adhering to the principles set out in this code and to review the implementation of the code using a set of indicators of good practice for each of the 16 principles. The code was revised in 2011 and adopted by the ESSC on 28th September 2011. A further revision of the code was adopted by the ESSC on 16th November 2017.

More information on quality of European statistics can be found on the website of Eurostat

Reducing the administrative burden

Many companies and households are required to declare information. Data collected by the state and local authorities from private-sector stakeholders are essential to ensuring the country is properly run. It is similar to a tax paid to the community. In order to reduce the administrative burden placed on survey respondents, STATEC constantly seeks to limit the volume and frequency of direct surveys by using administrative files.

Data protection

Personal data collected by STATEC or to which it has access, is strictly protected by the law on statistical confidentiality which provides that "information gathered by STATEC may only be used for statistical purposes and for no other administrative or fiscal purposes. Individual information gathered from individuals and companies may on no account be disclosed. STATEC employees and agents are held personally responsible for strict compliance with statistical confidentiality, on pain of disciplinary or criminal procedures".

An efficient information service

Even the best statistical information is worthless unless it is relevant and efficiently disseminated. Although most of the data produced by STATEC is provided for the requirements of the European Commission and the Luxembourg government, STATEC is attentive to the needs of the main groups using its data (companies, teaching institutions, etc.).

Informing and guiding users

One of the basic services of any public authority is providing data to the public. Guiding users to alternative information services, advising them and helping them to locate information within government services are not always obvious. At STATEC, the helpdesk is a well-established service.

Training

The specific requirements of a statistical office need intensive and ongoing training. An internal examinations committee and a training officer handle internal training programmes and relations with the National Institute of Public Administration (INAP).

Ongoing training is provided at different levels :

  •  initial training (economics, statistics and information technology)
  • ongoing training in advanced econometrics
  • promotion-specific training
  • internal seminars open to other administration personnel (economics, statistical methods)
  • training for respondents (questionnaires, software) and data users (documentary research, metadata).

New communication technologies

STATEC was one of the first Luxembourg stakeholders to use the latest up-to-date communication and electronic processing technologies. STATEC introduced personal computers as far back as 1985. After magnetic tape, diskettes and CD-ROMs, 1997 saw the inauguration of STATEC’s first website. Whether according to the Lisbon Strategy or the launch of the Luxembourg eGovernment service STATEC has always sought out challenges and taken the initiative to promote the use of electronic media.

The creation of a central Statistics Portal for all public information services was a key development in STATEC’s history.

Survey respondents can find questionnaires and user instructions on STATEC's website. Electronic questionnaires have been developed and are available online.

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