Meta-information systems – An efficient tool for integration and co-ordination of statistical surveys

Abstract

When, where and how can statistical meta-information systems be used as instruments for integration and co-ordination of statistical data, statistical surveys and statistical information systems as a whole? Meta-information-based instruments make it possible to identify incoherences in statistical data and surveys and support the activities of those co-ordinating units in statistical agencies which are responsible for the integration of data. Their activities will first of all focus on methodological integration of statistical information systems as well as of such integration of non-statistical systems of socio-economic information, if and where they interrelate with statistical systems.