Abstract

The landscape in which National Statistical Organizations operate has been changing for several years and continues to change today. Years of declining response rates, the proliferation of alternative data sources, increased scrutiny on privacy and the growth of statistics produced by private organizations is forcing NSOs to rethink how they do business. In reaction, many NSOs are going through a modernization journey exploring the use of alternative data and modern methods to produce more timely and granular high-quality data, while ensuring that confidentiality is maintained. While this sounds like a daunting task, with the right choices and embracing change these objectives can be achieved. This article presents some ideas on these choices and what changes can be embraced to ensure that the future of official statistics is bright. The recent pandemic has shown the importance, and the power, of using alternative data and modern methods to produce information that matters and now is the time for National Statistical Offices to show leadership in how these varied sources of data can produce official statistics that matter.