Towards a register-based statistical system – some Danish experience

Abstract

The possibility of using data from administrative registers varies from one type of statistics to another. For census type statistics there is a special need for the use of such sources. This is due to the high costs involved in the preparation of census type statistics.

The possibilities for using administrative data for statistical purposes depend on the general principles for and organization of the general official statistics in the country in question. Also the administrative conditions, especially as regards the use of EDP and register techniques for administrative purposes are important.

One principal aim for the development of register-based statistics in Denmark has been to compile information of largely the same contents as a traditional general census, but the utilization of register data has wider perspectives, whose realization, however, presupposes the existence of a systematic framework in the form of a general register-statistical system.

In the methodological field, a number of new problems have been encountered. Some of these problems have been solved. Others will require further consideration, for example, error checking and missing data. Other problems are how to integrate sample data in the system, and the ways to cope with the vulnerability of statistics to changes in the administrative systems from which the data are obtained. It is to be expected that the use of the register-statistical system will be considerably extended, notably towards longitudinal surveys. It may finally be mentioned that a new methodology will be required also in the field of statistical production techniques.