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.
Global value chains statistics were carried out in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 for the reference period 2021-2023. GVC statistic focuses on several areas of globalisation phenomena such as:
Persons employed by business function in the enterprise - variable (1).
GVC arrangements - focus on aspects of purchasing and supply in international trade in goods and services (enterprises that reported at least EUR 100 000 in goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad in the final year of the reference period) - variables (2-5).
International sourcing within and outside of the enterprise group - variable (6). Jobs created and lost as a result of international sourcing - variables (7-8). Motivation and barriers for international sourcing - variable (9).
Impact of recent events on GVC - variable (10).
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 classification is used to determine the economic activities of the enterprises.
Furthermore, the Classification of Business Functions (CBF) is used and follows the harmonised list defined in the GVC implementing act, distinguishing core and support functions as well as specific functional categories.
Geographical areas have been defined using the GEONOM Implementing Regulation.
Job skills are classified as high skilled (require high education level - ISCED 5 and higher) and not high skilled.
3.3. Coverage - sector
Market producers of NACE Rev 2 Sections B to N with number of employees and self-employed persons at least 50, in the last year of the reference period.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
All concepts and definitions follow Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 and the GVC Compilers’ Manual.
Goods (and materials) - good or material refers to all movable property.
Services - results from a production activity that changes the conditions of the consuming units (transformation services) or facilitates the exchange of products or financial assets (margin services).
Global Value Chains (GVCs) - full range of cross-border activities required to bring a product or service from conception through the different phases of production and delivery to final consumers.
Sourcing - full or partial movement of business functions by an enterprise to another enterprise within or outside the enterprise group. International sourcing refers to the movement of BF abroad.
Variables (2)-(5) apply only to enterprises exceeding the EUR 100 000 threshold for goods/services purchased or supplied abroad.
Business functions are divided into core and support categories and specific functional areas.
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).
3.5. Statistical unit
Statistical unit used for the compilation the GVC series is the 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 of the reference period. 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 the Czech Republic, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 for European business statistics. Units located within the national territory and covered by national statistical legislation are included.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Data refers to the calendar years 2021 - 2023, as defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. All data transmitted relate exclusively to this three-year reference period.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable. No base year or index is used, as the data are compiled as absolute values. The data are collected for a three-year reference period (triennially). The first reference period was 2021-2023.
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:
number of persons employed,
number of enterprises that reported some of the GVC phenomena or international sourcing,
number of jobs lost (relocated abroad) and number of jobs created in the enterprise due to international sourcing.
The reference period for the GVC statistics is 2021-2023, in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. 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) No 2019/2152 and Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2022/918. Regulation (EC) 223/2009 on European statistics provides the general legal framework for professional independence, data quality and statistical confidentiality. At the national level, the activities of the State Statistical Service are governed by Act No. 89/1995 Coll., on the State Statistical Service, with annual specifications set out in the Decree on the Programme of Statistical Surveys.
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. The conditions for providing data beyond the outputs available to all users are governed by the rules defined in the Act on the State Statistical Service. Such data are always provided on the basis of inter-institutional agreements and fully comply with all rules for the protection of confidential data.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Confidentiality of statistical data is ensured by national statistical legislation (for more information, see Section 6), Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics, and Regulation (EU) No 2019/2152.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
All data provided to external users are subject to standard control procedures to prevent any direct or indirect identification of confidential data. If necessary primary and secondary suppression are applied in accordance with national confidentiality rules. Only aggregated data are transmitted to Eurosta. Eurostat applies its own confidentiality rules to the aggregated data received, ensuring secure handling and safe dissemination.
8.1. Release calendar
As GVC is a new statistical domain, the form, scope, and timing of data dissemination have not yet been decided. For this reason, the publication outputs have not yet been included in the National Release Calendar.
8.2. Release calendar access
The national release calendar is publicly available on the NSI website: CZSO Release Calendar. It is accessible free of charge and updated regularly to reflect planned publication dates for statistical outputs. The calendar ensures transparency and equal access for all users.
8.3. Release policy - user access
All users will have equal and simultaneous access to published GVC data at the time of release. No privileged pre-release access will be granted. Dissemination always follows the NSI's standard user access and embargo rules, which are aligned with national statistical legislation and ESS guidelines. Metadata and documentation are made available at the time of release.
Not applicable yet. The GVC results have not yet been released/disseminated at a national level.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
Not applicable yet. The GVC results have not yet been released at a national level.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
Not applicable yet. The GVC results have not yet been released at a national level.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
Not applicable yet. The GVC results have not yet been released at a national level.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
Not applicable yet. The GVC results have not yet been released at a national level.
10.5. Dissemination format - other
Not applicable yet. The GVC results have not yet been released at a national level.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
Methodological information will be provided in the national metadata accompanying the GVC data transmission/release. Methodological information is in the GVC Compilers' Manual published by Eurostat as well.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
Information on quality procedures is available in the national quality guidelines published by the CZSO on its website: CZSO quality documents. It follows the principles of the ESS quality framework, including relevance, accuracy, timeliness and coherence.
11.1. Quality assurance
Quality assurance is carried out in line with the ESS Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) and the CZSO's internal quality management system. All survey and administrative data used for GVC statistics undergo standardised quality controls based on the ESS Code of Practice, Regulation (EC) 223/2009. The compilation of GVC statistics follows the general quality management principles applied within the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO). Information on quality management strategies and policies can be found on CZSO website: CZSO_key_documents. Many 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 administrative data, SBS, FATS, TEC and STEC. All corrections, follow-up actions and methodological decisions are documented to maintain transparency and traceability.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Overall data quality is assessed through evaluations of relevance, accuracy, coherence and completeness. Internal coherence between variables and breakdowns is reviewed, and external coherence is checked against other business statistics domains. The planned dynamization of statistical forms will expand the use of auxiliary variables based on administrative data and reduce the burden on respondents. The overall quality of GVC data can be assessed as favourable. Quality limitations mainly relate to the following three aspects: 1) the relatively high miss-classification of the units in the Statistical Business Register, 2) some GVC concepts are new to respondents and difficult to understand, which may lead to incorrect answers to certain questions and 3) other common limitations including item non-response in detailed breakdowns.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
GVC statistics are potentially relevant for analysing international production linkages, sourcing patterns and exposure to global supply chain disruptions. The dataset is produced using harmonised European definitions and provides consistent input for national and EU-level assessments. The main potential user groups include ministries responsible for the economy and industry, research institutes, academic users and Eurostat. Information on GVCs has so far only been provided externally to Eurostat. In addition to the harmonised questions, the GVC survey in the Czech Republic included several national questions. The results are used by the National Accounts and International Trade departments of the CZSO.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
User feedback was not collected.
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. The sample included only enterprises for which some form of international linkage had been identified on the basis of all available data sources (ITGS, ITSS, FATS, other specific statistical surveys, and VAT data). The remaining group of approximately 1,600 out of a total of about 9,100 enterprises with 50 or more employees was considered irrelevant for GVC/IS data collection purposes.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Uncertainties mainly relate to item non-response and respondents’ interpretation of detailed breakdowns. The accuracy of the GVC statistics is influenced by non-sampling errors. Standardized validation checks, comparisons with supporting information from administrative data, and follow-up procedures help detect and correct discrepancies. One of the problems is also that the person in charge of filling out the statistical questionnaire at the enterprise is usually manager who has an overview of large contracts but is unfamiliar with the details of the company's activities in the last three years. Overall accuracy is assessed using checks on coverage, internal coherence and consistency with related statistics. Most units in the target population provided usable data and validation procedures reduced the impact of inconsistent responses. Some uncertainty remains for detailed variables and variables that occurred only rarely in the enterprise during the observation period.
13.2. Sampling error
All enterprises 50+ were used for GVC statistics, except of enterprises that do not have any record of foreign trade in goods or services or enterprises that are not foreign-controlled. Such enterprises were not included in survey. So CZSO assumes, that sampling error did not affect the accuracy of estimates.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Non-sampling errors constitute the main potential source of inaccuracy in the GVC dataset, mainly unit and item non-response and misreporting. 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. Follow-up procedures are used to reduce missing information, and validation checks identify inconsistent responses or misinterpretation. Units are contacted for their relevance and potential occurrence of GVC phenomena. The survey response rate was approximately 86 percent. Approximately 32 percent of surveyed enterprises required additional follow-up contacts to clarify or correct responses.
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.
Data and metadata were transmitted to Eurostat within the legal deadline of T+21 months. Processing stages, including data collection, validation and preparation for transmission, were completed according to the national timetable.
The transmission took place approximately 1 weeks before the deadline.
14.2. Punctuality
All internal milestones in the national GVC production process were met in line with the planned schedule. National dissemination does not exist yet.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
The GVC statistics for 2021-2023 follow harmonised concepts and definitions set out in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918, supporting coherence across variables and comparability with other EU Member States. Internal checks and comparisons with related business statistics contribute to identifying and addressing inconsistencies. Geographical comparability is supported by the harmonised definitions, classifications and breakdowns specified in the GVC Implementing Act. Methodological guidance from Eurostat ensures a common framework across EU Member States. No national deviations from the European definitions were applied.
15.2. Comparability - over time
The 2021-2023 cycle is the first official GVC data collection carried out under the European Business Statistics (EBS) Regulation, and no earlier national or voluntary GVC surveys were conducted. As a result, no direct time-series comparison with previous periods is possible. The current cycle establishes the first reference point for future GVC data collections, which will follow the same harmonised framework and triennial structure. No methodological breaks exist within the 2021–2023 cycle.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Cross-domain coherence is generally ensured through comparisons with related statistics SBS, FATS, TEC and STEC. Differences may arise due to varying reporting thresholds (such as the EUR 100 000 criterion). 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 data consistency. Logical rules are applied to verify relationships between variables, and follow-up procedures address inconsistencies where necessary. Several hundred built-in logical checks monitor the consistency of the data as enterprise fills out the questionnaire. Enterprises reporting trade in TEC/STEC statistics or in VAT returns are expected to report international trade in GVCs. Enterprises reporting international sourcing are expected to appear in the relevant business function or partner breakdowns.
The overall response burden for the GVC data collection is considered manageable. The survey is limited to enterprises with 50 or more persons employed. The questionnaire was sent, however, only to enterprises that had any record of foreign trade in goods or services during the period 2021-2023 or that are foreign-controlled. Burden reduction measures include clear questionnaire design, targeted follow-up and the reuse of administrative data. Internal CZSO resource use was in line with standard operational requirements for business surveys. Estimated average time to complete the questionnaire: 45 minutes.
17.1. Data revision - policy
The revision policy for GVC statistics follows the standard national procedures for business statistics. Revisions may be carried out if new information becomes available or if issues are identified during validation with Eurostat. Due to the triennial nature of the GVC data collection and the absence of rolling updates, revisions are possible but generally limited. The NSI applies a national revision policy that allows for updates to previously transmitted data when significant 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.
17.2. Data revision - practice
No revisions have been made to the GVC statistics yet. The CZSO expects to revise data due to the transition to the new NACE classification.
18.1. Source data
The statistical processing of the GVC dataset follows the standard national procedures for business statistics - extracting the survey frame from the statistical business register, conducting data collection, performing validation checks, applying imputation where required and compiling final aggregates in line with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
The primary data source is a dedicated survey of enterprises in NACE sections B-N with 50 or more persons employed. The coverage frame is derived from the national statistical business register. Enterprises that had no record of foreign trade in goods or services and were not foreign-controlled were exempt from the survey.
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 is carried out using the CZSO's standard survey modes, which may include secure online questionnaires, electronic reporting tools or other collection methods (accepted are any methods such as mails, calls and paper in cooperation wiht our data collectors). Follow-up procedures such as automated reminders or targeted contacts are used to improve response rates. The collection period lasted around three months (from september 2024) to allow enterprises sufficient time to complete the questionnaire. The survey response rate was approximately 86 percent. Approximately 32 percent of enterprises required follow-up contacts to clarify or complete their responses. In approximately 48 percent of enterprises, it was necessary for the data collectors to adjust at least one value obtained from the questionnaire - in some cases after contacting the enterprise, in others no contact with the enterprise was necessary for the correction.
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. Several hundred built-in logical checks monitor the consistency of the data as enterprise fills out the questionnaire. Errors or suspicious variables are verified by contact with respondents. Cross-domain checks compare selected indicators with TEC, STEC and administrative data. Manual review is conducted for inconsistencies and outliers. Validation is performed at microdata level and incorporates feedback from Eurostat's validation process.
18.5. Data compilation
Data compilation follows the NSI's standard procedures for business surveys. Item non-response is addressed using imputation methods. Final aggregates are produced according to the required breakdowns, including activity, business function, type of goods or services and geographical area. To make the questionnaire easier for respondents, CZSO collected the number of employees according to CBF. CZSO then adjusted these numbers proportionally for each enterprise (and each BF) so that the total for the enterprise corresponded to the number of employees and self-employed persons from SBS. Response rate lower than 100 per cent implied that aggregated survey results had to be estimated using grossing up. CZSO used simple grossing within each cell.
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 and imputation for missing items, following standard procedures for structural business statistics.
Questions aimed at improving estimates within the framework of national accounts and balance of payments indicators were added to the questionnaire (e.g. merchanting, processing, reexport, factoryless goods production, domestic trade with non-residents registered for VAT).
CZSO did not include the last two sourcing motivational factors and the last two sourcing barriers in the questionnaire. This is because they were specified at a time when CZSO had already completed the questionnaire. CZSO determined the values for these indicators using expert estimates after analyzing the responses for other motivations and barriers and the responses to the questions in Variable 10.
Global value chains statistics were carried out in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918 for the reference period 2021-2023. GVC statistic focuses on several areas of globalisation phenomena such as:
Persons employed by business function in the enterprise - variable (1).
GVC arrangements - focus on aspects of purchasing and supply in international trade in goods and services (enterprises that reported at least EUR 100 000 in goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad in the final year of the reference period) - variables (2-5).
International sourcing within and outside of the enterprise group - variable (6). Jobs created and lost as a result of international sourcing - variables (7-8). Motivation and barriers for international sourcing - variable (9).
Impact of recent events on GVC - variable (10).
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.
Goods (and materials) - good or material refers to all movable property.
Services - results from a production activity that changes the conditions of the consuming units (transformation services) or facilitates the exchange of products or financial assets (margin services).
Global Value Chains (GVCs) - full range of cross-border activities required to bring a product or service from conception through the different phases of production and delivery to final consumers.
Sourcing - full or partial movement of business functions by an enterprise to another enterprise within or outside the enterprise group. International sourcing refers to the movement of BF abroad.
Variables (2)-(5) apply only to enterprises exceeding the EUR 100 000 threshold for goods/services purchased or supplied abroad.
Business functions are divided into core and support categories and specific functional areas.
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).
Statistical unit used for the compilation the GVC series is the 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 of the reference period. 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 the Czech Republic, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 for European business statistics. Units 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 (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.
Uncertainties mainly relate to item non-response and respondents’ interpretation of detailed breakdowns. The accuracy of the GVC statistics is influenced by non-sampling errors. Standardized validation checks, comparisons with supporting information from administrative data, and follow-up procedures help detect and correct discrepancies. One of the problems is also that the person in charge of filling out the statistical questionnaire at the enterprise is usually manager who has an overview of large contracts but is unfamiliar with the details of the company's activities in the last three years. Overall accuracy is assessed using checks on coverage, internal coherence and consistency with related statistics. Most units in the target population provided usable data and validation procedures reduced the impact of inconsistent responses. Some uncertainty remains for detailed variables and variables that occurred only rarely in the enterprise during the observation period.
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:
number of persons employed,
number of enterprises that reported some of the GVC phenomena or international sourcing,
number of jobs lost (relocated abroad) and number of jobs created in the enterprise due to international sourcing.
Data compilation follows the NSI's standard procedures for business surveys. Item non-response is addressed using imputation methods. Final aggregates are produced according to the required breakdowns, including activity, business function, type of goods or services and geographical area. To make the questionnaire easier for respondents, CZSO collected the number of employees according to CBF. CZSO then adjusted these numbers proportionally for each enterprise (and each BF) so that the total for the enterprise corresponded to the number of employees and self-employed persons from SBS. Response rate lower than 100 per cent implied that aggregated survey results had to be estimated using grossing up. CZSO used simple grossing within each cell.
The statistical processing of the GVC dataset follows the standard national procedures for business statistics - extracting the survey frame from the statistical business register, conducting data collection, performing validation checks, applying imputation where required and compiling final aggregates in line with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
The primary data source is a dedicated survey of enterprises in NACE sections B-N with 50 or more persons employed. The coverage frame is derived from the national statistical business register. Enterprises that had no record of foreign trade in goods or services and were not foreign-controlled were exempt from the survey.
Not applicable yet. The GVC results have not yet been released/disseminated at a national level.
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.
Data and metadata were transmitted to Eurostat within the legal deadline of T+21 months. Processing stages, including data collection, validation and preparation for transmission, were completed according to the national timetable.
The transmission took place approximately 1 weeks before the deadline.
The GVC statistics for 2021-2023 follow harmonised concepts and definitions set out in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918, supporting coherence across variables and comparability with other EU Member States. Internal checks and comparisons with related business statistics contribute to identifying and addressing inconsistencies. Geographical comparability is supported by the harmonised definitions, classifications and breakdowns specified in the GVC Implementing Act. Methodological guidance from Eurostat ensures a common framework across EU Member States. No national deviations from the European definitions were applied.
The 2021-2023 cycle is the first official GVC data collection carried out under the European Business Statistics (EBS) Regulation, and no earlier national or voluntary GVC surveys were conducted. As a result, no direct time-series comparison with previous periods is possible. The current cycle establishes the first reference point for future GVC data collections, which will follow the same harmonised framework and triennial structure. No methodological breaks exist within the 2021–2023 cycle.
