The role of Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange in global statistical infrastructure

Abstract

The attention given by statistical organisations to Statistical Data and Metadata Exchange (SDMX) is currently at unprecedented levels. This paper analyses the reasons for this and describes the key elements of this infrastructure. Furthermore, it describes all the dimensions of the SDMX initiative, namely, the standards, the exchange of data in different modes and the opportunity for the sharing of tools; and it links all these dimensions to the corresponding infrastructure elements.

The paper also summarises the governance aspects of the initiative and outlines the benefits of adopting SDMX in an organisation, including the use of the data model in the statistical productions chain and to profit from the available components.

Finally, a reflection on the global implementation of SDMX, as recommended by the United Nations Statistical Commission in February 2008, is provided in this paper. Finally, the paper urges national and international statistical organisations in the world to implement SDMX standards and guidelines and to use them in their exchanges of data; to participate in the governance mechanisms; and to act as a relay for promoting the use of SDMX by other partners.

Readers can find more information about the topics dealt with in this paper in the SDMX official website at http://www.sdmx.org/.