Strategy

There is an increasing demand for statistics and an expectation to receive more data quicker. Statistics Estonia is committed to producing as quickly as possible official statistics that are understandable, cover areas that are relevant or interesting for the users, while ensuring consistency also in the longer term.

Statistics Estonia has set three main objectives for 2018–2022.

1. To offer understandable and relevant information
   The primary task of Statistics Estonia is to produce official statistics, i.e. do statistical activities according to the official statistical programme, publishing statistical indicators agreed in the order of the Government of the Republic. An additional task is to provide various services, incl. answer orders for information.
   Users of statistics expect more detailed statistics on smaller regions and on more phenomena. Producing more detailed statistics without significantly increasing the burden on data objects requires using new data sources, methods and tools. It is also important to offer more personalised information to users than previously (in a format suitable for the user). 
2. To ensure timeliness and reliability of official statistics
   Official statistics are used if they cover the topics relevant for the society in a way that is understandable and impartial. Most people access official statistics through media, some through the statistical database and at analysis level, and even a smaller group use microdata for research. Statistics Estonia must serve all stakeholders and ensure availability of timely and reliable statistics for everyone.
3. To produce quality information with low administrative burden and high efficiency
   As the need for information is increasing, it is important that information could be provided with the lowest administrative burden possible. The obligation of Statistics Estonia is to monitor that data is not requested repeatedly if the data already exist in some data source in the state.
   The guiding principle of Statistics Estonia’s data collection is to implement first the data collection method that has the lowest administrative burden and cost. In the case of interview surveys, the survey methodology permitting, the option of web interview is used first, followed by phone interview and lastly face-to-face interview.

Read more: Development Plan of Statistics Estonia 2018–2022