Improving relevance: Istat experience on experimental statistics

Abstract

In line with Eurostat and other National Statistical Institutes, Istat has been publishing experimental statistics since April 2018. Experimental statistics inform users on topics not fully exploited by official statistics, and differ from them because they are not yet entirely developed. This enlargement of Istat statistical supply was fostered by the satisfaction of users’ needs and the increased availability of new data sources. An internal procedure was set up to select, evaluate and disseminate experimental statistics before their publication on a dedicated area of the Istat website. At Istat, the primary purpose of experimental statistics is to improve relevance. Indeed, they are new statistics or improved existing outputs, which have a value added for the users in terms of “new” or “additional” information available. Important features of experimental statistics are the use of non-traditional data sources, the use of innovative methodologies, the geo-spatial reference or other types of data visualisation, the integration of multiple sources. Up to now, improving timeliness seems to be a less important motivational factor for developing experimental statistics. Recently, the transition from experimental to official statistics was tackled, leading to the definition of a set of criteria to be satisfied.