Information Society

        Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) are still the main drivers of the economy and of changes within society. Official statistics are indispensable for an informed understanding of the implications of the transformations underway. However, the right set of variables is crucial. The measurement of the Information Society by statistics on society, on business processes, and on productivity is an area for continuous revision and improvement.

        From 2002, the European Commission established annual Information Society surveys to benchmark the ICT-driven development in enterprises and by individuals. Eurostat developed two model surveys, one on enterprises, one on individuals, in close collaboration with Member States and the OECD, which have been regularly adapted to the changing needs of users and policy makers. In 2004, the European Parliament and the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 808/2004 covering the aforementioned surveys. The regulation is a framework regulation: it allows flexibility to adapt the surveys to newly evolving needs by users and decision makers. Annual implementing measures such as Commission Regulation (EC) No 1099/2005 for the survey year 2006 are forming the basis for the Eurostat model surveys and will ensure harmonized data for all EU-25 Member States up until 2010.