Data collection is at the basis of quality in statistics. Technological developments make new data collection methods available, whereas others lose importance. While the Internet is already an established mode to collect data from businesses, only recently national statistical institutes have started considering web data collection for surveys among persons and households. At the moment several countries are developing Internet data collection for social surveys. There are two main reasons behind this innovation. The first is that Internet data collection is cheaper than traditional methods. The second reason is that many countries face decreasing response rates. Internet data collection could be helpful to stop this trend. A further reason, related to the last one, is that the public ask for it. An increasing number of persons have no problems participating in a survey as such, but do not like an interviewer at their door or on the telephone. They prefer to fill out the questionnaire when it is convenient for them. These drivers behind the development will probably gain strength in the near future, resulting in an acceleration of the process.
This discussion paper reflects on the possibilities to use web data collection for official statistics in household surveys and how this innovation process could be organised efficiently on EU level. The Labour Force Survey (LFS) is used as a case to illustrate challenges and potential pitfalls. It is a large scale survey with a high level of harmonisation among the Member States and therefore the potential cost savings are substantial. Furthermore, the LFS is already designed as a mixed mode survey in many countries; this allows the smooth introduction of a new data collection mode. And finally, the LFS plays a central role in the system of social statistics.
The paper focuses on the challenges ahead in official statistics regarding web data collection. At this stage, only major issues to address and organisational steps to be taken can be presented. It is still too early to give solid solutions or identify best practices.