Innovations in Federal Statistics: Combining Data Sources While Protecting Privacy
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has released a report that explores the challenges faced by the federal statistical system and the foundational elements needed for a new paradigm. The report is designed to help foster a paradigm shift in federal statistical programs that would use combinations of diverse data sources from government and private-sector sources in place of a single census, survey, or administrative record.
Federal government statistics provide critical information to the country and serve a key role in a democracy. For decades, sample surveys with instruments carefully designed for particular data needs have been one of the primary methods for collecting data for federal statistics. However, the costs of conducting such surveys have been increasing while response rates have been declining, and many surveys are not able to fulfill growing demands for more timely information and for more detailed information at state and local levels.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine provides independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation and conducts other activities to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions. The National Academies also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding in matters of science, engineering, and medicine.
This Summary Last Modified On: 2/13/2017