Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Statistics Austria - National Statistical Institute of Austria
1.2. Contact organisation unit
Directorate Business Statistics, Unit Structural Business Statistics
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
Guglgasse 13,1110 Wien, Austria
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
28 November 2025
2.2. Metadata last posted
28 November 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
28 November 2025
3.1. Data description
Global Value Chains statistics are compiled under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 for the 2021-2023 reference period. The regulation provides information on the scope of the statistical domain, including variables on business functions, high-value trade in goods and services, international sourcing, job impacts, and events affecting GVCs.
Global value chains and international sourcingare an important factor in the international organisation of enterprises’ economic activities. Enterprises increasingly organise their production globally in global value chains (GVC) by breaking up their value chains into smaller parts supplied by a growing number of providers located worldwide. GVC comprise the full range of activities required to bring a product or service from conception through the different phases of production, delivery to final consumers and disposal after use.
Therefore, this topic was included in the program of European business statistics with Regulation 2019/2152 as tri-annual statistics.
The GVC dataset contains ten variables defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. These cover:
Business Functions:
Variable (1) Number of employees and self-employed persons.
Global Value Chains:
Variable (2) Number of enterprises purchasing goods from abroad.
Variable (3) Number of enterprises supplying goods abroad.
Variable (4) Number of enterprises purchasing services from abroad.
Variable (5) Number of enterprises supplying services abroad.
International Sourcing:
Variable (6) Number of enterprises carrying out international sourcing.
Variable (7) Number of jobs created in the enterprise as a result of international sourcing.
Variable (8) Number of jobs lost (or relocated abroad) as a result of international sourcing.
Variable (9) Number of enterprises having carried out or considered carrying out international sourcing.
Events impacting GVC arrangements:
Variable (10) Number of active enterprises.
For variables (2)-(5), the dataset includes only enterprises that report at least EUR 100 000 in goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad in the final year of the reference period.
All data are provided as absolute values and presented by NACE activity, business function, geographical partner area, size class, motivation and barrier types, and other breakdowns required by the regulation.
3.2. Classification system
NACE Rev. 2 is used to classify economic activities for all variables. Business functions are created following the Manual on the Classification of Business Functions and follow the harmonised list defined in the GVC implementing act, distinguishing core and support functions as well as specific functional categories such as production of goods, ICT services, marketing, engineering, and R&D.
Geographical classifications follow the breakdowns prescribed in Regulation (EU) 2022/918, including EU Member States, Extra-EU, and specific partner regions (e.g. China, India, USA and Canada, Central and South America, Africa).
Classifications for job skills follow the high-skilled / not-high-skilled distinction set out in the GVC Compilers’ Manual.
3.3. Coverage - sector
The statistics cover market producers classified under NACE Rev. 2 Sections B to N. This sector coverage is defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 and applies uniformly to all variables. Only enterprises with 50 or more employees and self-employed persons in the final year of the reference period are included.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
All concepts and definitions follow Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 and the GVC Compilers’ Manual. International sourcing refers to the partial or full movement of business functions abroad within or outside the enterprise group, during 2021-2023. Variables (2)-(5) apply only to enterprises exceeding the EUR 100 000 threshold for goods/services purchased or supplied abroad in the last year of the reference period 2023. Business functions are divided into core and support categories and specific functional areas (e.g. ICT, management and administration). Motivations and barriers follow the fixed lists provided in the regulation, and importance factors use the standard four-level scale (very important, moderately important, not important, not applicable/do not know).
The statistical unit used for the GVC statistics is the enterprise, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 on European business statistics.
The enterprise as defined in line with the Regulation (EEC) No 696/93 on the statistical units for the observation and analysis of the production system in the Community.
In NACE 64.1 (Monetary intermediation) and 65 (Insurance, etc.), legal units are used as proxies for enterprises (no profiling rules so far).
Data collection unit is the legal unit, in case of complex enterprises consisting of more than one legal unit, the main legal unit (head legal unit). By standard, this is the legal unit with highest employment within the statistical unit enterprise. This unit also defines the economic activity (NACE) and other qualitative characteristics of the respective enterprise.
3.6. Statistical population
The target population consists of all market-producing enterprises in NACE Sections B-N with at least 50 employees and self-employed persons in the final year (2023) of the reference period. For evaluation of employment, administrative data (monthly social security data) was used in order to calculate a yearly average of the number of employees.
For variables (2)-(5), only enterprises reporting at least EUR 100 000 of goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad are included, in line with the Annex of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
3.7. Reference area
The reference area is the national economic territory of Austria, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 for European business statistics. Units in the scope located within the national territory and covered by national statistical legislation are included.
3.8. Coverage - Time
The GVC statistics refer to the triennial reference period 2021–2023, as defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. All data transmitted relate exclusively to this three-year reference period.Some only target the latest year of the reference period.
Variables 6, 7, 8, 9, 10: 2021-2023.
Variables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5: 2023.
(Nr. of variables refer to chapter 3.1.)
3.9. Base period
Not applicable. No base year or index is used, as the data are compiled as absolute values within the triennial reference period defined by Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
All variables in the GVC dataset are compiled and transmitted in absolute values, in accordance with the measurement unit specified in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. No percentages, indexes, ratios or other derived units are transmitted to Eurostat. This unit applies uniformly to all variables and all breakdowns required by the regulation.
The reference period for the GVC statistics is 2021-2023, in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. Variables cover activities that may have occurred during this three-year period. Variables (1)-(5) refer specifically to the final year of the period (2023). Variables (6)-(10) cover actions that took place at any time between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2023.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
GVC statistics are produced under the legal framework of European business statistics. The main legal bases are Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 on European business statistics and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918, which defines the variables, population, breakdowns and transmission deadlines for the 2021-2023 reference period. The topic Global Value Chains is listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152.
Statistics Austria collects and compiles these data under the national statistical law and a national regulation on GVC statistics, which provides the legal mandate for data collection, access to administrative sources and the obligation of enterprises to respond. Regulation (EC) 223/2009 on European statistics provides the general legal framework for professional independence, data quality and statistical confidentiality.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Data are transmitted to Eurostat in accordance with Regulation (EC) 223/2009 and Articles 17 and 18 of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152, which govern data and metadata transmission. Only authorised staff have access to identifiable information at the national level, and no microdata are shared outside the national statistical authority. Data transmitted to Eurostat are handled under strict confidentiality rules and disseminated only in aggregated form. Secure transmission channels are used for all data transfers.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Confidentiality of statistical data is ensured by National Federal Statistics Act, Regulation (EC) 223/2009 on European statistics and Regulation (EU) 2019/2152. These acts establish the legal obligation to protect confidential information, ensure professional secrecy and restrict the use of data to statistical purposes only. Access to identifiable information is limited to authorised staff, and confidential data cannot be used for administrative, fiscal or legal purposes.
Article 19 of the National Federal Statistics Act stipulates that data shall be published in a manner that prevents any connection being made with statements concerning specific or identifiable data subjects unless the data subject concerned has no interest warranting protection in his/her data remaining confidential. In the event such connections cannot be ruled out, publication is subject to the explicit prior written consent of the data subject involved.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Confidential enterprise data are processed under strict disclosure control procedures. Primary and secondary suppression are applied in accordance with national confidentiality rules and ESS guidelines to prevent any direct or indirect identification of individual enterprises. Only aggregated data are transmitted to Eurostat, and microdata are not disseminated. Eurostat applies its own confidentiality rules to the aggregated data received, ensuring secure handling and safe dissemination.
National confidentiality rules in business statistics: Primary confidentiality: data referring to less than 3 statistical units is confidential. Secondary confidentiality: implemented in order to prevent primary confidentiality cells from being disclosed. Austria, at the time being, applies no dominance criteria or the-like. Confidentiality treatment not only to considers data sent to Eurostat but also additional data of the same domain published at national level (if applicable).
8.1. Release calendar
The dissemination of GVC statistics follows the national release calendar published on the website of Statistics Austria. Release dates are announced in advance and updated regularly in accordance with national dissemination policy and the ESS principles of impartiality and equal treatment. GVC results are released through the standard national dissemination channels.
Dissemination of tables, texts, and graphs on the website for reference year 2021 2023 data was done on June 24, 2025.
8.2. Release calendar access
The national release calendar is publicly available on the website of Statistics Austria. It is accessible free of charge and updated regularly to reflect planned publication dates for statistical outputs, including GVC-related releases. The calendar ensures transparency and equal access for all users.
8.3. Release policy - user access
All users have equal and simultaneous access to published GVC data at the time of release. No privileged pre-release access is granted. Dissemination follows the NSI's standard user access and embargo rules, which are aligned with national statistical legislation and ESS guidelines. First metadata and documentation are made available at the time of release.
Standard tables for free download access are published on the NSI's website (German and - to a lesser extent - English versions). Results are disseminated to all users at the same time.
Detailed non-published data is available on specific request, as far as confidentiality rules allow.
GVC statistics are collected, compiled and transmitted every three years in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. National dissemination follows the same triennial cycle.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
A short news release summarising key results on international sourcing and GVC participation is published at the time of dissemination. GVC indicators are presented together with statistics about international trade.
An online-only PDF-publication containing the main GVC results, national analytical publications on business globalisation or enterprise internationalisation and methodological information will be published in the first quarter of 2026.
The publication in the online database of Statistics Austria, STATcube is under preparation.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
In Austria, access to anonymised GVC microdata for scientific research is available under strict conditions defined by national statistical legislation. Researchers may access data through the NSI's secure research environment after formal accreditation and approval. At the moment, there is no access to microdata from the 2024 GVC survey/statistics. The access will be granted after a specific data request from researchers.
10.5. Dissemination format - other
Standard tables are included in the NSI's Statistical Yearbook.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
Important methodological notes on GVC statistics are available on the NSI's website (only in German).
Comprehensive methodological information will be provided in the national metadata report, which is planned to be published in the first half of 2026.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
Information on quality procedures is available in the national quality guidelines published by the NSI and follows the principles of the ESS quality framework, including relevance, accuracy, timeliness and coherence.
The quality report for GVC statistics will be published together with the comprehensive metadata report in the first half 2026.
11.1. Quality assurance
Quality assurance is carried out in line with the ESS Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) and the NSI's internal quality management system. Automated validation checks ensure completeness, internal consistency and compliance with definitions and breakdowns set out in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. Additional manual and cross-domain checks compare GVC data with related sources such as SBS, FATS, TEC and STEC. All corrections, follow-up actions and methodological decisions are documented to maintain transparency and traceability.
To ensure the highest quality, Statistics Austria is managed according to the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM). This comprehensive quality strategy is concerned with quality throughout the entire organisation. The principles and primary objectives of Statistics Austria’s TQM concept are:
Product quality and the quality of statistical production processes
Customer orientation (quality of services for the users of statistical information)
Employee orientation (workforce training and qualifications, motivation and satisfaction)
Efficiency (internal productivity)
Reducing the workload for respondents (quality of respondent relationships)
TQM is seen as an ongoing process with the objective of continuous improvement. Concrete projects and measures for goal achievement are defined and implemented in each of the TQM areas specified.
Statistics Austria uses standard documentations (in German language only) to provide users with information about the underlying concepts, definitions, methods used and the quality of the statistics (meta-information) in a standardised format. The introduction of this documentation, which is based on a multi-dimensional quality concept compliant with EU standards (relevance, accuracy, up-to-date nature, access, comparability, coherence), has created a basic framework for the ongoing internal and external evaluation of the quality of statistical production processes and products.
In cooperation with the Statistic Committee’s Quality Assurance Committee, feedback meetings concerning the quality of the different statistical products on the basis of the standard documentation are held regularly within the framework of Statistics Austria’s quality management programme.
The content and objectives of the feedback meetings concern critical examination of the quality aspects of statistics with particular consideration of the methods and processes used; identification of quality improvement potential; development of recommendations for improvement measures; and improvement of the standard documentation relating to the statistics in question, with special attention to the views of users and external experts.
The standard documentation for global value statistics will be compiled in the first half of 2026.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Overall data quality is assessed through evaluations of relevance, accuracy, coherence and completeness, the aspects are discussed in more detail in the following chapters.
Internal coherence between variables and breakdowns is reviewed, and external coherence is checked against other business statistics domains. Common limitations are misunderstandings of the concepts of business functions and the definition of sourcing by responding enterprises. The data is validated and checked for external coherence with trade data with the caveat of differing concepts.
The functionality of the online questionnaire excludes item non-response technically. Still, the quality of survey data depends on the commitment of responding enterprises.
The sample size is sufficiently large to capture the rare phenomenon of sourcing well and to allow complete extrapolations for the population.
Planned improvements include the extended use of other business statistics in the data collection process through micro data linking and refinements of validation rules to further strengthen accuracy and reduce respondent burden.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
These stakeholders use GVC information to analyse sourcing structures, international fragmentation of production and sectoral exposure to global shocks. The statistics also support evidence-based policy development related to supply chain resilience and strategic dependencies.
Main user groups are:
National: Austrian Economic Chamber of Commerce, Austrian Institute of Economic Research and other research institutes, Universities, press and media, Central Bank, enterprises, students etc.
External/international: Eurostat (European Commission), ECB, OECD etc.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
A survey related to the user’s satisfaction is organized by Statistics Austria for key statistical domains. However, this survey was carried out for the last time in 2024/beginning 2025 - therefore GVC statistics was not covered by this survey.
Informal exchanges with key users, including ministries and research organisations, suggest that the dataset meets current analytical needs. Users value the harmonised EU methodology and the detailed breakdowns by business function, activity and geographical area.
12.3. Completeness
All mandatory variables and breakdowns required by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 were transmitted for the 2021-2023 reference period. The 1 percent rule was not applied. Data cover all required combinations of NACE sections B-N, size classes, business functions and geographical areas as specified in the regulation.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Overall accuracy is assessed using checks on coverage, internal coherence and consistency with related business statistics. Most units in the target population provided usable data, and validation procedures reduced the impact of inconsistent responses.
One challenge of the survey is to find the right respondent for the questionnaire, who can evaluate strategic decisions around global value chains, which are made in upper management. Therefore, some uncertainty remains for detailed variables, particularly those requiring subjective assessments such as sourcing motives and barriers.
Moreover, misunderstandings about the definition of sourcing or business functions occurred. This issue was detected in the course of the survey due to incoming questions or when enterprises were contacted for data validation and consistency checks. Despite thorough controls, unsolved misconceptions cannot be ruled out (for seemingly consistent questionnaires or unavailable enterprises).
13.2. Sampling error
The method of a stratified random sample was applied. Therefore sampling errors may affect the accuracy of estimates. Stratified sampling designs typically ensure adequate representation of size classes and key industries. Although formal sampling error indicators are not produced for this domain, the stratification and weighting procedures are designed to support representativeness across NACE sections B-N and enterprises with 50 or more persons employed.
The effective sampling size was 48% of the relevant business population (3 230 responding units out of 6 726 total population).
The sample was stratified by economic activity (NACE), employment size class, turnover and an indicator for global involvement (using GVC pilot and international trade data) for the units in the statistical population.
By NACE sections, the coverage reachedfrom 11% (NACE I) to 87% (NACE B), by size class from 33% (50-99 empl.) to 85% (250+ empl.).
The sampling error highly depends on the frequency of the characteristics under observation. For very rare events, like international sourcing of specific business functions, it can arrive at numbers >50%. For the total of number of enterprises sourcing abroad, e.g., it is 7.6%, for the purchase or supply of goods or services abroad in total it is also clearly below 10%.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Non-sampling errors constitute the main potential source of inaccuracy in the GVC dataset. The method of a stratified random sample was applied. Thus results are afflicted with a sampling error. Possible non-sampling errors are misclassification in various dimensions (business functions, goods or services categories in value chains) or measuring errors.
Measurement errors can occur due to misconceptions of the survey's definitions concerning sourcing. Quantitative variables on the number of employees were compared with the business register and SBS. Follow-up checks and adaptations were made if the divergences were considerable.
Misclassification errors concern the classification of business functions, which was often misunderstood by respondents and mistaken for another classification of the main economic activity. For additional validation checks the correspondence to the NACE classification was used to determine the core business function, which is usually the function with most employees.
Modeling errors can be expected for complex enterprises. For them only the main legal unit was questioned and data for non-surveyed units was imputed for quantitative variables.
Item non-response errors are technically not measurable, as our online questionnaire does not allow the submittance of incomplete questionnaires. They may occur for some detailed breakdowns, particularly for questions requiring subjective assessments such as sourcing motives or barriers, where the right answer was unknown but a response was selected. The only variables, where non-response was technically possible, were jobs lost and created. Here, non-response errors are an issue as enterprises find it difficult to estimate the consequences of sourcing on employment. Despite visible notices in the questionnaire and follow-up checks as sourcing is usually accompanied with a loss of domestic jobs, 40 % of all enterprises, which reported sourcing, did not report any jobs lost.
Coverage errors are limited due to the use of the statistical business register for population and sample construction. Non response error of the survey was rather low, the total response rate was 96.6%.
Overall, non-sampling errors have a moderate but manageable effect on the final results, and established validation and imputation procedures help to minimise their impact.
14.1. Timeliness
The GVC results for the 2021-2023 reference period were compiled following the legal deadlines set by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. The national production schedule provided sufficient time for validation and quality checks. Timeliness and punctuality are monitored as part of the standard national procedures for business statistics.
According to legal deadlines, data has to be delivered to Eurostat in T+21 months. Data for 2021-2023 was delivered on Sept 1, 2025. Data for variable 10 (Impact of recent events on economic globalisation) was delivered in March, 2025, based on Gentlemen's Agreement with Eurostat.
On national level, data was published on June 24, 2025.
14.2. Punctuality
The national regulation was published later in 2024 than expected, therefore, the start of data collection was postponed by three weeks and the period to report was extended. Afterwards all internal milestones in the national GVC production process were met in line with the planned schedule. Data collection, editing and validation activities followed the established timetable. Where national dissemination occurred, releases were published according to the national release calendar. National dissemination occurred on the planned date without delay.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
Geographical comparability is supported by the harmonised definitions, classifications (NACE Rev. 2) and breakdowns specified in the GVC Implementing Act. Methodological guidance from Eurostat ensures a common framework across EU Member States.
On national level, break downs by NACE and size classes were applied to most variables with enough observations as stratification in the extrapolation. They were published, where suitable.
15.2. Comparability - over time
The 2021-2023 cycle is the first official GVC data collection under the European Business Statistics (EBS) Regulation. However, the country has previous experience with voluntary or pilot GVC surveys carried out before the EBS framework. Broad conceptual continuity exists between the earlier exercises and the current official collection, as key definitions, business function categories and geographical breakdowns follow the same methodological foundations. Nevertheless, differences in survey design, sampling approach, questionnaire content or follow-up procedures may limit full comparability with earlier voluntary results. In particular, the 2021-2023 cycle was the first one which was not carried out with voluntary participation of enterprises. So the response rate and thus, the quality of results was raised considerably. No relevant methodological breaks exist within the 2021-2023 cycle itself.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Cross-domain coherence is generally ensured through comparisons with related statistics such as SBS, FATS, TEC and STEC. Differences may arise due to varying reference periods, reporting thresholds (such as the EUR 100 000 criterion) or domain-specific definitions. These discrepancies are limited and do not substantially affect the interpretation of GVC results.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Internal coherence is supported by validation checks that ensure consistency across activity, size class, business function and geographical breakdowns. Logical rules are applied to verify relationships between variables, and follow-up procedures address inconsistencies where necessary. Enterprises reporting international sourcing are expected to appear in the relevant business function or partner breakdowns. As all data follow the same definitions and concepts, internal coherence is 100%.
The overall response burden for the GVC data collection is considered manageable. The survey is limited to enterprises with 50 or more persons employed, and several variables can be supported by business register information. Burden reduction measures include clear questionnaire design with filtering questions, targeted follow-up and the reuse of administrative data. Internal NSI resource use was in line with standard operational requirements for business surveys.
The average completion time for the questionnaire according to the Austrian "Response Burden Barometer" was 66,4 minutes.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Statistics Austria applies a national revision policy that allows for updates to previously transmitted data when significantly new or corrected information is identified. Revisions follow the principles set out in national dissemination and quality guidelines and are communicated to Eurostat through established ESS procedures. Because the GVC dataset is collected for a fixed reference period, revision activity is typically limited to the period shortly after the initial transmission.
In general, published GVC results as well as data transmitted to Eurostat are considered as final.
17.2. Data revision - practice
So far, no data revisions took place.
18.1. Source data
The primary data source is a dedicated survey of enterprises in NACE sections B-N with 50 or more persons employed. The sampling or coverage frame is derived from the national statistical business register (SBR), which provides core information on economic activity and size class. Register information may also support validation or reduce respondent burden where appropriate.
In particular, the following data sources were used:
Frame: The frame, from which the sample is drawn was the SBR of Statistics Austria. The frame is based on enterprises in the coverage of GVC survey (NACE B-N with 50 or more persons employed); a frozen frame was used, which was drawn at the beginning of the survey - later changes were not considered.
Selection schemes, stratification: Stratified random sample was used; the sample was stratified by economic activity (NACE), employment size class, turnover and global involvement indicators (based on pilot GVC and trade data).
Sample size: The effective sampling size was 48% of the relevant business population (3 230 responding units out of 6 726 total population).
Only the main legal unit of the enterprise was surveyed, where enterprises consisted of more than one legal unit.
Additional statistical data - used for plausibility checks and item non response:
SBS;
FATS;
TEC;
STEC.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
The GVC data are collected every three years in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. No interim or annual data collection is carried out, as the domain is designed to provide structural information for a fixed three-year reference period. The triennial cycle allows sufficient time for preparation, collection, validation and transmission. The most recent data collection covered the reference period 2021-2023 and was carried out once during 2024.
18.3. Data collection
Data collection for the GVC survey was carried out with the electronic reporting tool of Statistics Austria, eQuest. No paper questionnaires were used. In electronic questionnaires some built-in consistency checks are applied. Follow-up procedures such as automated reminders or targeted contacts are used to improve response rates.
The collection period lasted around five months (June to October 2024) to allow enterprises sufficient time to complete the questionnaire. 3343 main legal units of enterprises in the sample (50% of the population) have received a request to report. 3 230 units reported their data - so the effective sample size was 48%. Respondents were contacted by e-Mail. Access codes for the electronic reporting media were enclosed. Response and non-response is monitored in the SBR. The following actions are taken to speed up or increase the response:
reminder for the closing date of the survey (76%)
Reminders
1st reminder (34%)
2nd, reminder (21%)
special reminders after requested extension of deadlines (3%)
finally, Statistics Austria gave notice of legal units refusing to respond to administrative authorities (4%)
Different statistical data sources (ITGS, ITSS, SBS...) are depicted in the data editing tool for consistency checks.
18.4. Data validation
Validation procedures include automated checks for completeness, internal consistency, logical coherence and compliance with the definitions and breakdowns specified in the GVC Implementing Act. Manual review is conducted for flagged cases, inconsistencies and outliers. Cross-domain checks compare selected indicators with SBS, FATS, TEC, STEC and business register variables. Validation is performed at both microdata and aggregated levels and incorporates feedback from Eurostat's validation process.
First checks are carried out in the electronic reporting tool eQuest, but most of the checks on micro level are done in the course of data editing. Data editing is done by using a special R Shiny App, where predefined plausibility checks are carried out resulting in real errors, possible errors and information points. Real errors have to be corrected, possible errors and information points guide the data editing staff and are revised or confirmed as correct.
The next stage of data validation is done on macro level (aggregated data, ratios, comparison with results of other statistics, etc.). Data visualisation is applied as well. If there are some questionable developments of macro level, the micro level is checked again.
The final checks are done prior to the data transmission to Eurostat, but many of the data checks are already implemented in the data editing tool.
18.5. Data compilation
Data compilation follows Statistics Austrias standard procedures for business surveys. The GVC survey is particular as only data from the main legal unit of an enterprise is collected. This data has to be consolidated for the statistical unit of enterprises. According to the consolidation guidelines qualitative variables are considered representative. In case of complex enterprises, the quantitiative variables on employees were imputed for the other legal units. For the employees by business functions the average distribution of the respective NACE sections were applied to the employees of the remaining legal units and grossed up. The jobs created and lost were weighted by the ratio of employees in the main legal unit to all employees. Enterprises that clearly reported the number of employees of the whole statistical enterprise were exempted.
The survey sample was grossed up using the size class and NACE section or group for stratification. The weighting factors ensure representativeness across industries and size classes. Final aggregates are produced according to the required breakdowns, including activity, business function, type of goods or services and geographical area.
18.6. Adjustment
No seasonal or trend adjustments are applied, as the GVC dataset refers to structural triennial information. Adjustments are limited to validation-related edits, imputation for missing items and outlier treatment where necessary, following standard procedures.
Restricted from publication
Global Value Chains statistics are compiled under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 for the 2021-2023 reference period. The regulation provides information on the scope of the statistical domain, including variables on business functions, high-value trade in goods and services, international sourcing, job impacts, and events affecting GVCs.
Global value chains and international sourcingare an important factor in the international organisation of enterprises’ economic activities. Enterprises increasingly organise their production globally in global value chains (GVC) by breaking up their value chains into smaller parts supplied by a growing number of providers located worldwide. GVC comprise the full range of activities required to bring a product or service from conception through the different phases of production, delivery to final consumers and disposal after use.
Therefore, this topic was included in the program of European business statistics with Regulation 2019/2152 as tri-annual statistics.
The GVC dataset contains ten variables defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. These cover:
Business Functions:
Variable (1) Number of employees and self-employed persons.
Global Value Chains:
Variable (2) Number of enterprises purchasing goods from abroad.
Variable (3) Number of enterprises supplying goods abroad.
Variable (4) Number of enterprises purchasing services from abroad.
Variable (5) Number of enterprises supplying services abroad.
International Sourcing:
Variable (6) Number of enterprises carrying out international sourcing.
Variable (7) Number of jobs created in the enterprise as a result of international sourcing.
Variable (8) Number of jobs lost (or relocated abroad) as a result of international sourcing.
Variable (9) Number of enterprises having carried out or considered carrying out international sourcing.
Events impacting GVC arrangements:
Variable (10) Number of active enterprises.
For variables (2)-(5), the dataset includes only enterprises that report at least EUR 100 000 in goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad in the final year of the reference period.
All data are provided as absolute values and presented by NACE activity, business function, geographical partner area, size class, motivation and barrier types, and other breakdowns required by the regulation.
28 November 2025
All concepts and definitions follow Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 and the GVC Compilers’ Manual. International sourcing refers to the partial or full movement of business functions abroad within or outside the enterprise group, during 2021-2023. Variables (2)-(5) apply only to enterprises exceeding the EUR 100 000 threshold for goods/services purchased or supplied abroad in the last year of the reference period 2023. Business functions are divided into core and support categories and specific functional areas (e.g. ICT, management and administration). Motivations and barriers follow the fixed lists provided in the regulation, and importance factors use the standard four-level scale (very important, moderately important, not important, not applicable/do not know).
The statistical unit used for the GVC statistics is the enterprise, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 on European business statistics.
The enterprise as defined in line with the Regulation (EEC) No 696/93 on the statistical units for the observation and analysis of the production system in the Community.
In NACE 64.1 (Monetary intermediation) and 65 (Insurance, etc.), legal units are used as proxies for enterprises (no profiling rules so far).
Data collection unit is the legal unit, in case of complex enterprises consisting of more than one legal unit, the main legal unit (head legal unit). By standard, this is the legal unit with highest employment within the statistical unit enterprise. This unit also defines the economic activity (NACE) and other qualitative characteristics of the respective enterprise.
The target population consists of all market-producing enterprises in NACE Sections B-N with at least 50 employees and self-employed persons in the final year (2023) of the reference period. For evaluation of employment, administrative data (monthly social security data) was used in order to calculate a yearly average of the number of employees.
For variables (2)-(5), only enterprises reporting at least EUR 100 000 of goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad are included, in line with the Annex of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
The reference area is the national economic territory of Austria, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 for European business statistics. Units in the scope located within the national territory and covered by national statistical legislation are included.
The reference period for the GVC statistics is 2021-2023, in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. Variables cover activities that may have occurred during this three-year period. Variables (1)-(5) refer specifically to the final year of the period (2023). Variables (6)-(10) cover actions that took place at any time between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2023.
Overall accuracy is assessed using checks on coverage, internal coherence and consistency with related business statistics. Most units in the target population provided usable data, and validation procedures reduced the impact of inconsistent responses.
One challenge of the survey is to find the right respondent for the questionnaire, who can evaluate strategic decisions around global value chains, which are made in upper management. Therefore, some uncertainty remains for detailed variables, particularly those requiring subjective assessments such as sourcing motives and barriers.
Moreover, misunderstandings about the definition of sourcing or business functions occurred. This issue was detected in the course of the survey due to incoming questions or when enterprises were contacted for data validation and consistency checks. Despite thorough controls, unsolved misconceptions cannot be ruled out (for seemingly consistent questionnaires or unavailable enterprises).
All variables in the GVC dataset are compiled and transmitted in absolute values, in accordance with the measurement unit specified in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. No percentages, indexes, ratios or other derived units are transmitted to Eurostat. This unit applies uniformly to all variables and all breakdowns required by the regulation.
Data compilation follows Statistics Austrias standard procedures for business surveys. The GVC survey is particular as only data from the main legal unit of an enterprise is collected. This data has to be consolidated for the statistical unit of enterprises. According to the consolidation guidelines qualitative variables are considered representative. In case of complex enterprises, the quantitiative variables on employees were imputed for the other legal units. For the employees by business functions the average distribution of the respective NACE sections were applied to the employees of the remaining legal units and grossed up. The jobs created and lost were weighted by the ratio of employees in the main legal unit to all employees. Enterprises that clearly reported the number of employees of the whole statistical enterprise were exempted.
The survey sample was grossed up using the size class and NACE section or group for stratification. The weighting factors ensure representativeness across industries and size classes. Final aggregates are produced according to the required breakdowns, including activity, business function, type of goods or services and geographical area.
The primary data source is a dedicated survey of enterprises in NACE sections B-N with 50 or more persons employed. The sampling or coverage frame is derived from the national statistical business register (SBR), which provides core information on economic activity and size class. Register information may also support validation or reduce respondent burden where appropriate.
In particular, the following data sources were used:
Frame: The frame, from which the sample is drawn was the SBR of Statistics Austria. The frame is based on enterprises in the coverage of GVC survey (NACE B-N with 50 or more persons employed); a frozen frame was used, which was drawn at the beginning of the survey - later changes were not considered.
Selection schemes, stratification: Stratified random sample was used; the sample was stratified by economic activity (NACE), employment size class, turnover and global involvement indicators (based on pilot GVC and trade data).
Sample size: The effective sampling size was 48% of the relevant business population (3 230 responding units out of 6 726 total population).
Only the main legal unit of the enterprise was surveyed, where enterprises consisted of more than one legal unit.
Additional statistical data - used for plausibility checks and item non response:
SBS;
FATS;
TEC;
STEC.
GVC statistics are collected, compiled and transmitted every three years in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. National dissemination follows the same triennial cycle.
The GVC results for the 2021-2023 reference period were compiled following the legal deadlines set by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. The national production schedule provided sufficient time for validation and quality checks. Timeliness and punctuality are monitored as part of the standard national procedures for business statistics.
According to legal deadlines, data has to be delivered to Eurostat in T+21 months. Data for 2021-2023 was delivered on Sept 1, 2025. Data for variable 10 (Impact of recent events on economic globalisation) was delivered in March, 2025, based on Gentlemen's Agreement with Eurostat.
On national level, data was published on June 24, 2025.
Geographical comparability is supported by the harmonised definitions, classifications (NACE Rev. 2) and breakdowns specified in the GVC Implementing Act. Methodological guidance from Eurostat ensures a common framework across EU Member States.
On national level, break downs by NACE and size classes were applied to most variables with enough observations as stratification in the extrapolation. They were published, where suitable.
The 2021-2023 cycle is the first official GVC data collection under the European Business Statistics (EBS) Regulation. However, the country has previous experience with voluntary or pilot GVC surveys carried out before the EBS framework. Broad conceptual continuity exists between the earlier exercises and the current official collection, as key definitions, business function categories and geographical breakdowns follow the same methodological foundations. Nevertheless, differences in survey design, sampling approach, questionnaire content or follow-up procedures may limit full comparability with earlier voluntary results. In particular, the 2021-2023 cycle was the first one which was not carried out with voluntary participation of enterprises. So the response rate and thus, the quality of results was raised considerably. No relevant methodological breaks exist within the 2021-2023 cycle itself.
