Experimental statistics

Topic

May 15, 2023 - We are renaming our "EXDAT – Experimental data" section to "EXSTAT – Experimental statistics". The main reason for this name change is to ensure consistency within Europe. Several national statistical institutes and Eurostat always refer to "experimental statistics". Furthermore, the term EXSTAT has a much broader scope and encompasses both innovative methods and novel data sources.

As always, we regularly publish new and innovative project results of the Federal Statistical Office in this section, now called EXSTAT. These results are obtained by using new data sources and methods. Both the degree of maturity and quality of the results differ from those of official statistics, especially regarding harmonisation, coverage and methodology. Nonetheless these results of the statistical offices of the Federation and the Länder offer new and interesting ways of looking at various statistical topics.

Short-term indicators

The experimental economic indicators published here have been specifically developed to represent economic developments as early as possible. Their purpose is to help react quickly to changes.

Labor market indicator: LinkedIn Hiring Rate

Since the outbreak of the Corona pandemic in the spring of 2020, and continuing with the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, social and political interest in readily available economic indicators has increased noticeably. In times of crisis, the focus is often on the impact on employment. In this context, the available, traditional labor market leading indicators often only depict the willingness of companies to hire new employees.

Truck toll mileage index

The daily truck toll mileage index provides approximate indications of the development of industrial production in Germany at a very early stage. The index is calculated from digital process data of the truck toll collection system.

Loan agreements of the credit services sector and information regarding online transactions

The information provided here is based on data reflecting weekly changes in the number of online transactions, new loan or mortgage agreements, and credit checks on people looking for a dwelling, which were supplied by information providers.

Early indicator of short-term development in the non-financial business economy, based on advance turnover tax returns

The experimental early indicator of the short-term economic trend of the non-financial business economy, based on advance turnover tax returns, allows to provide early information on the turnover development in the non-financial business economy before official results from surveys are available by economic sector.

Early indicator of short-term economic trends based on pedestrian frequencies

During the pandemic, there is a correlation between shop-based retail turnover and the number of pedestrians in inner cities. The Federal Statistical Office examines whether an early indicator of short-term economic trends can be developed on this basis in non-crisis times.

Other indicators

These indicators early reflect current developments that are relevant for society. This section covers all non-economic indicators.

Mobility indicators based on mobile network data

Analyses of mobile network data provide insights into the effects of coronavirus restrictions and the mobility behaviour of the population.

Covid-19 data for Germany

We are extending our range of information to include up-to-date data broken down in great regional detail, for example, on infection rates, the hospital situation and the measures taken by the governments to contain the pandemic. The new data we offer are based on results of a project which was initiated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) in 2020. The collection of data built up in the project was previously available only to researchers. For the first time now, we make the data readily accessible to the public at large.

Workshop reports

In the workshop reports section, we publish reports on projects that tested new methods of data collection or evaluation. The purpose of such projects is to improve official statistics in terms of quality or timeliness. Experimental special evaluations and feasibility studies carried out are also documented here.

The transport index as a leading indicator of economic development

The transport index records at an early point in time changes of goods transport by mode.

Satellite-based early estimate of short-term economic development

Satellites can record large areas at short intervals so that information from satellite data is available rapidly and at a small-area level. A feasibility study examines whether information from satellite data can be used to support early estimates of short-term economic development of the Federal Statistical Office.

Pendler Mobil: the use of mobile network data to support official commuter statistics

The project Pendler Mobil examined possibilities of extending the official commuter accounts using origin-destination matrices derived from mobile network data. On account of their timeliness and high level of regional detail, mobile network data provide a robust data basis for a flexible presentation of potential and regular commuter flows.

Remote sensing data and artificial intelligence in the register census

As the concept of the register census is being designed, a feasibility study investigates in how far remote sensing data such as satellite data or aerial photographs can help to produce census results in the future.

Scanner data in consumer price statistics and for determining regional price differences

Digital point-of-sale data of the retail sector, also referred to as scanner data, are a promising data source for price statistics. In official consumer price statistics, manual price collection performed by price collectors directly in shops or service enterprises is supplemented, or in part replaced, by new forms of price collection.

Nowcast of the overall economic development

Official early indicators to reconcile timeliness with accuracy.

Geo-referenced rates of benefits provided under the Social Code, Book II (SGB II)

A proof of concepts (PoC) has shown the high potential of geo-referenced data.

Smart business cycle statistics based on satellite data

Satellites can provide images of large areas of the earth’s surface at short intervals. Technological progress has substantially influenced and improved the availability and analysis of satellite data so that they are coming into play also in official statistics.

Booking accommodations on online platforms

This is the first time that booking data of selected online platforms are available for statistical evaluations. The Federal Statistical Office is therefore exploring, among other things, whether these data can be used to supplement the official tourism statistics presently offered by including information below the current cut-off threshold.

Online job index

The Online job index uses job advertisements published on the internet to monitor how the demand for labour develops in online job markets.

Comparison of the mobile network data structures of two mobile network operators

The Federal Statistical Office is investigating the usability of mobile network data for official statistics purposes in various feasibility studies. Differences in mobile network coverage and customer acquisition activities between mobile network operators have a decisive impact on data structures and thus the usability of mobile network data.

Mobile network data representing the population

Representing the population by mobile network data is examined here.

Experimental georeferenced population figure based on intercensal population updates and mobile network data

To meet the growing demand for small-area population data, experimental georeferenced population figures were compiled based on intercensal population updates and using mobile network data. In a distribution procedure, the results of intercensal population updates were redistributed at the municipality level to a 1x1 km grid for the whole of Germany by means of mobile network data.

Dialogue

Do you have any questions on this section or its topics? Are you currently working with similar data and wish to exchange your ideas with us? Then get in contact! We are looking forward to your messages. Please send them to exstat@destatis.de

EXSTAT worldwide

More experimental statistics from official statistics

National:

Experimental statistics provided by the statistical offices of the Federation and the Länder

European:

Experimental statistics in the European Statistical System (ESS)

Experimental statistics provided by Eurostat

Experimental statistics provided by Office for National Statistics (ONS), UK

International:

Experimental statistics provided by New Zealand Government (Stats NZ)

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