Cantonal statistics and federal statistics: process of integration of the statistical system of Switzerland

Abstract

89 This paper describes some significant stages of the history of Swiss official statistics and focuses on some particular aspects and problems in developing national statistical activities within a multi­ lingual and cross cultural federal State. It shows the need for concerted action and cooperation between the regional statistical services and the Federal Statistical Office. It stresses the importance of the approach of subsidiarity, the challenge of regional breakdown of statistical information and the need for harmonizing administrative registers at all levels of the federal system (municipalities, cantons and the Federal State). Finally, it suggests that the federalist model should be seen as a network of communication, coordination and joint action: a model of integration which reconciles the particular nature of federal institutions with the inherent requirements for the development of a national statistical system. The history of official statistics in Switzerland can be seen as a process of integra­ tion of local and regional statistics within a multilingual and cross-cultural federal system. Our intention is not to retrace this history, but to single out just a few of the particularly significant stages and problems. The process of integration ofthe Swiss statistical system does not, of course, in any way constitute a model for other federative statistical systems at the national or supranational level. However, we believe that the institutional changes and difficulties experienced by Swiss statistics may provide some useful lessons for those taking part today in the processes of integration and federation of statistical systems, both in the new independent States and within the European Union. 1. General historical context It will be useful to begin by describing, if only very schematically, the general historical context within which statistics in Switzerland emerged and developed. From the conclusion of the first pact between the three founder cantons (Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden) to the extension of the Helvetic Alliance to 13 cantons! iUri, Schwyz, Unterwalden, Glarus, Zug, Zurich, Bern, Luzern, Basel, Fribourg, Solothurn, Schaffhauscn and Appenzel.