A toolbox for a modular design and pooled analysis of sample survey programmes

Abstract

This paper presents key methodological results from a project on streamlining and integrating sample survey programmes. More specifically, it: Proposes a general modular framework and integrated survey systems (in concrete terms, i.e. with a specific set of surveys as the point of departure); Presents a toolbox (covering estimation, sample allocation and instrument composition) to deal with the methodological challenges associated with such integrated systems; and Indicates possible steps to upgrade statistical production systems from a collection of uncoordinated surveys to a harmonised integrated system of surveys.

A concrete application of the `instrument composition' part of the toolbox demonstrates how the EU Labour Force Survey, the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions and the EU Adult Education Survey could be combined so as to improve flexibility (responding to new user needs), efficiency (greater precision or reduced costs) and transversality (capacity to combine variables from different statistical domains).