Data innovation strategy: FSO pilot projects point to productivity gains

Official statistics can benefit from new analysis methods arising from its data innovation strategy. The automation of certain tasks, especially data preparation, seems to be particularly promising. Although the first results from the FSO's pilot projects are encouraging, according to an initial assessment published on the "experimental statistics" microsite, they still need fine-tuning before they can be fully implemented in ongoing production. On 21 November 2017, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) published its data innovation strategy. Its main objective was to assess the application of complementary analysis methods from data science to official statistics. Five pilot projects were run, using machine learning, deep learning and small area estimation, enabling improvements in statistical production. Official statistics has a vast experience and proven expertise dating back decades in the collection, processing, application and dissemination of data and statistical information and it has been able to develop this know-how constantly.