The system of official statistics in Sweden – coordination through cooperation

Abstract

The paper gives an overview of the functioning of the official statistical system in Sweden with particular emphasis on coordination tools. The Swedish statistical system was decentralised in 1994. Today Statistics Sweden is responsible for about 40 percent of the number of products but for slightly more than 80 percent of the production of official statistics. The approach Statistics Sweden has chosen in its coordinating function is to encourage “soft” coordination. This means encouraging discussions and trying to reach consensus before decisions rather than issuing regulations. So far, this approach to coordination of Swedish official statistics has been successful. The cooperation between the authorities responsible for official statistics and the transparency and efficiency of the system has improved. However, there are still many problems to solve and many possibilities for improvement.