Microdata Linking for new globalisation statistics and integrated business indicators

Unlocking globalisation insights through linked business data across Europe 

THE PROJECT

The initiative aims to develop new globalisation statistics and indicators through a streamlined and coordinated microdata linking approach across National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) in the European Statistical System (ESS).

The project focuses on producing integrated datasets that describe enterprises operating in Europe, including those engaged in international trade. These datasets combine multiple statistical domains to provide a richer and more coherent picture of business activity in a globalised economy.

A key outcome is the creation of linked datasets covering Structural Business Statistics (SBS), International Trade in Goods Statistics (ITGS), International Trade in Services Statistics (ITSS), the Community Innovation Survey (CIS), Business Demography (BD), the EuroGroups Register (EGR), and national statistical business registers (NSBRs). The resulting data will enable more detailed analysis of enterprises by employment size, enterprise group status, and economic activity (NACE), supporting evidence-based policymaking and research.

An important element of the project is the development and use of the MDL Syntax, a common technical solution that helps countries link and process data in a more harmonised, efficient and reproducible way. This supports the production of comparable indicators across participating countries while reducing duplication of work.

The project is in pilot and testing phase, including data production testing and progressive implementation in the new MyStat system.

THE MOTIVATION

The increasing complexity of global value chains and the need for more timely, detailed, and policy-relevant business statistics require a more integrated statistical production approach.

The project responds to this need by enhancing the ESS capacity to produce new indicators on globalisation without increasing the reporting burden on businesses. It builds on previous MDL initiatives to further improve the understanding of enterprise performance, internationalisation, and structural characteristics of European businesses.

The initiative also supports key ESS priorities, including strengthening responsiveness to emerging user needs, expanding the statistical product portfolio, and achieving efficiency gains through better use of existing data sources.

THE METHODOLOGY

The project is implemented through a coordinated microdata linking framework across participating NSIs and Eurostat, supported by common technical and methodological standards.

Key methodological and technical components include:

• Common technical specifications for the microdata linking exercise
• A methodological manual
• The MDL Syntax for harmonised and reproducible data linking and indicator production
• Harmonised validation and quality checks 
• Implementation of a data processing system 
• Pilot implementation in the new MyStat system
• Ongoing testing of data production workflows across countries 

The exercise relies on the integration of multiple administrative and statistical data sources to ensure consistency, comparability, and analytical richness.