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.
[IT1] National Institute of Statistics (Istat) (Italy)
1.2. Contact organisation unit
DCSE - Central Directorate for Economic Statistics SEC - Structural Statistics Service on Enterprises, Public Institutions and Non-Profit
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
Via Tuscolana n.1788, 00173 Rome Italy
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
30 November 2025
2.2. Metadata last posted
30 November 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
30 November 2025
3.1. Data description
Global Value Chains (GVCs) statistics compiled in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918, covering the reference period 2021–2023. The statistics aim to capture the multifaceted nature of GVCs by detailing the scope of the statistical domain and presenting a wide range of variables. These include indicators on the organization and distribution of business functions, measures of high-value trade in both goods and services, and data on international sourcing practices adopted by enterprises. Furthermore, the section highlights the employment effects associated with International sourcing, offering insights into job creation or displacement. It also documents significant events that have influenced the structure and dynamics of global value chains during the period under review, thereby providing policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders with an evidence base to better understand the evolving patterns of international production and trade.
the Global Value Chains (GVC) dataset comprises ten variables as defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. These variables collectively provide a structured view of enterprise participation in international production networks. Specifically, the dataset covers:
(1) employment by business function
(2-5) enterprises purchasing or supplying goods and services abroad
(6) the number of enterprises carrying out international sourcing
(7-8) jobs created and lost resulting from international sourcing
(9) motivations and barriers for sourcing, and
(10) events affecting GVC arrangements.
For variables (2) through (5), the dataset applies a threshold: only enterprises reporting at least EUR 100,000 in goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad in the final year of the reference period are included. This ensures that the statistics focus on economically significant transactions.
All data are presented in absolute values and disaggregated according to multiple dimensions required by the regulation. These include NACE activity classification, business function, geographical partner area, enterprise size class, motivation and barrier categories, and other breakdowns necessary to capture the complexity of GVC participation.
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 Function 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).
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. 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).
3.5. Statistical unit
The statistical unit used for the GVC statistics is the enterprise, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 on European business statistics and the Business Register Regulation.
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.
At national level, enterprises with fewer than 3 employees were eliminated as they were not relevant for the purposes of the survey.
3.7. Reference area
The reference area is the national economic territory of Italy 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
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.
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.
The national statistical authority collects and compiles these data under the national statistical law, 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.
The survey, at national level, is included in the National Statistical Program
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.
The micro data, at national level, can be shared with the agencies that are part of the national statistical system (SISTAN) and disseminated only in aggregated form.
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 statistical legislation, 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.
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.
Primary confidentiality = number of enterprises (ENT) <3
Indirect confidentiality managed by Istat and made by Tau-Argus
There is no confidential data for the years 2021-2023
8.1. Release calendar
At national level, GVC data there isn't scheduled in annual release calendar . The 2021-2023 data should be released by December 2025
8.2. Release calendar access
The release of the Global Value Chains (GVC) dataset will be formally announced and promoted through the dedicated section of the Institute’s official website. This online space will serve as the primary channel for disseminating information about the publication, ensuring visibility to stakeholders, researchers, and the general public.
The national release calendar is publicly available on the ISTAT website under the publication schedule section. 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.
The release of the Global Value Chains (GVC) dataset will be included in the official dissemination calendar and made available at the following address:
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. Metadata and documentation are made available at the time of release.
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 and usually takes place after the transmission of data and metadata to Eurostat.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
At the national level, a short news release summarising key results on international sourcing and GVC participation is published at the time of dissemination.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
At present, no additional publications have been scheduled beyond the release of the report. This indicates that the report constitutes the sole planned dissemination of Global Value Chains (GVC) statistics for the current period, with no supplementary outputs or follow-up publications defined at this stage.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
Online database is not available
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
ISTAT makes available free of charge the microdata files related to its surveys for study and research purposes, or for statistical-scientific aims, in compliance with current regulations.
After the pubblication of the news release the microdata will be available at the laboratory ADELE respecting the access protocol with authorization to be requested: Microdati – Istat
10.5. Dissemination format - other
GVC results may also be presented in thematic reports
10.6. Documentation on methodology
Methodological information is provided in the national metadata accompanying the GVC data transmission and in the GVC Compilers' Manual published by Eurostat.
Methodological documents will be available with the pubblication of the news release.
10.7. Quality management - documentation
Information on quality procedures is available in the national quality guidelines published by the ISTAT and follows the principles of the ESS quality framework, including relevance, accuracy, timeliness and coherence. The quality indicators are available at the following address Istat
11.1. Quality assurance
The compilation of GVC statistics follows the general quality management principles applied within the National Statistical Institute (NSI). All survey data used for GVC statistics undergo standardised quality controls based on the ESS Code of Practice, Regulation (EC) 223/2009 and national quality guidelines.
Automated validation checks ensure completeness, internal consistency and compliance with definitions and breakdowns set out in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918.
The quality of the data received was ensured through the consistency and completeness rules embedded in the web questionnaire. These rules automatically checked responses during data entry, preventing the submission of incomplete or inconsistent questionnaires. In practice, the internal controls did not allow approval of questionnaires with missing data, thereby guaranteeing full compliance with the required standards. As a result, no data imputation was applied.
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, generally it was not necessary to contact the respondent enterprises because the completeness and consistency checks in the web questionnaire did not allow to leave the questions unanswered.In many cases, enterprises have called or written for clarification, before completing the questionnaire.
External coherence is checked against other business statistics domains. Planned improvements include expanded use of register-based auxiliary variables
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Main user groups Internal users, European Commission services, international organisations, ministries, chambers of commerce, trade unions, journalists, researchers etc.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
No formal user satisfaction survey has been carried out specifically for the GVC domain.
The data are generally highly appreciated.
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. Also all optional variables have been sent
13.1. Accuracy - overall
The overall accuracy was assessed through checks on coverage, internal consistency, and consistency with related business statistics. The implementation of these checks ensured that the data collected were both complete and coherent. Partial non‑responses were not possible, while total non‑responses were minimized thanks to a series of reminders sent to enterprises. In addition, detailed instructions were provided to guide respondents, enabling enterprises to complete the questionnaire independently. A dedicated thematic support service was also made available by Istat to assist respondents when needed. Finally, consistency checks with other statistical sources produced very positive results, further strengthening the reliability of the dataset.
13.2. Sampling error
The survey is census-based
13.3. Non-sampling error
Specific actions are planned to reduce non-sampling errors.
To help users fill in the questionnaire, he electronic questionnaire includes a dedicated section containing a series of support documents to assist respondents during completion. These materials are designed to provide guidance and clarification, thereby facilitating accurate and autonomous completion of the questionnaire. In this section we uploaded:
the guide to the compilation with all the instructions for site navigation;
the user manual with all the definitions;
the facsimile of the questionnaire;
the information letter sent to legal unit.
On the survey web site there is a section whit the faq to help the user to fill in the questionnaire and the references to contact in case of need.
For the preparation of the user manual, for the faq and for the pop-ups within the questionnaire, the guidelines and definitions prepared by Eurostat were used.
In addition, Istat provides enterprises with a dedicated service offering both technical and thematic assistance. This support ensures that companies can rely on expert guidance throughout the data collection process, from clarifying methodological aspects to resolving practical issues related to questionnaire completion.
The web questionnaire incorporated automatic rules of completeness and consistency. These rules prevented non‑responses and did not allow the submission of questionnaires with missing data. In cases of incorrect compilation, warnings appeared to notify the user. Depending on the severity of the error, alerts could be either blocking or non‑blocking. As a result of these internal controls, questionnaires with incomplete data could not be approved, and no data imputation was applied.
In addition In the documents section, some explanations were provided directly alongside the questions. Definitions were displayed as pop‑up notes and warnings. Consistency checks within and across questions generated alerts that guided respondents through the questionnaire.
The final response rate reached 70%, with non‑responding enterprises representing entities of limited economic relevance. This ensures that the overall quality and representativeness of the data remain high, as the missing responses concern businesses with marginal impact on the statistical results.
14.1. Timeliness
The activities were carefully scheduled to avoid any overlap with other internal deadlines and to ensure full compliance with the timelines established by the Regulation.
14.2. Punctuality
The data were transmitted well in advance of the deadline established by the EU Regulation. The final dataset was delivered in two steps: variable 10 was submitted on 24 March 2025, as requested by Eurostat, while the remaining data were transmitted on 23 June 2025.
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.
Geographical comparability is supported by the harmonised definitions 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 under the European Business Statistics (EBS) Regulation. However, the country has previous experience with voluntary GVC surveys carried out before the EBS framework. The dataset is fully comparable with the 2018–2020 reference cycle, ensuring continuity and consistency over time.
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.
15.4. Coherence - internal
The data transmitted are consistent thanks to the coherence checks applied during the process.
Cost associated with the collection and production aren't estimable, in any case, ISTAT does its best to reduce the burden on businesses, starting from dedicated assistance during the compilation process to the inclusion thresholds in the survey
17.1. Data revision - policy
In general, revisions are made only if new information emerges that has a significant impact on the results.
17.2. Data revision - practice
For the 2021–2023 cycle, the data transmitted are considered definitive. As a rule, every effort is made to carry out all revisions before the final submission
18.1. Source data
The unit of analysis is the enterprise, whereas the reporting unit is the legal unit. The enterprises included in the target population (NACE sections B-N with 50 or more persons employed ) are drawn from the register of active enterprises, with reference year 2023.
The target population is composed of 26,050 enterprises and 36,893 legal units.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
The GVC data are collected every three years in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. The most recent data collection covered the reference period 2021-2023 and was carried out once during 2024 between July and November.
18.3. Data collection
The data collection phase commenced on July 10, 2024, and concluded on November 14, 2024. The survey was administered through an electronic questionnaire, which incorporated automated validation checks designed to ensure the internal consistency and completeness of the information provided by respondents. This methodological choice not only facilitated the accuracy of the dataset but also reduced the likelihood of missing or incoherent entries.
Within the electronic compilation environment, ISTAT made available a dedicated section containing methodological guidelines, explanatory notes, and supporting documentation to assist enterprises in the completion process. Furthermore, a specialized call center service was established to provide technical support and thematic clarifications, thereby enhancing respondent compliance and reducing potential barriers to participation.
The survey is included in the National Statistical Program and is subject to mandatory response requirements under the current statistical regulations. The achieved response rate was 70%, a level that reflects substantial engagement from the target population and contributes to the robustness and representativeness of the final dataset.
18.4. Data validation
The consistency and completeness of the data are ensured through the internal validation checks embedded within the questionnaire. These controls are designed to detect and prevent logical inconsistencies, missing values, and incoherent responses during the data entry process, thereby safeguarding the overall quality of the dataset.
In addition to these internal mechanisms, further external consistency checks are carried out by comparing the collected information with other authoritative statistical sources, such as Structural Business Statistics (SBS) and Foreign Affiliates Statistics (FATS). This cross-validation process strengthens the reliability of the results by identifying potential discrepancies and aligning the survey outputs with established statistical frameworks.
Through the combined use of internal and external validation procedures, ISTAT ensures that the final dataset meets high standards of accuracy, coherence, and comparability.
18.5. Data compilation
The validated data are complete, as the system does not allow the submission of partially filled questionnaires. This procedural safeguard ensures that all records included in the final dataset contain the full set of required variables.
After the validation phase, the process moves on to the subsequent stages of data treatment, in this phase, the data provided by Legal Units (LeUs), were consolidated in enterpises in accordance with Eurostat guidelines.
Subsequently, calibration weights for non-responding enterprises were computed on the final database. The weighting procedure pursued two main objectives: first, to correct estimates for potential bias arising from non-response; and second, to align direct estimates with known population totals available from the sampling frame. Consistent with the standard methodology adopted by ISTAT, the final weights used for the grossing-up of the GVC survey data were derived through the application of a calibration estimator. The process achieved full convergence, ensuring that the final estimates were perfectly consistent with the known population totals
18.6. Adjustment
No adjustments are applied.
No additional comments
Global Value Chains (GVCs) statistics compiled in accordance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918, covering the reference period 2021–2023. The statistics aim to capture the multifaceted nature of GVCs by detailing the scope of the statistical domain and presenting a wide range of variables. These include indicators on the organization and distribution of business functions, measures of high-value trade in both goods and services, and data on international sourcing practices adopted by enterprises. Furthermore, the section highlights the employment effects associated with International sourcing, offering insights into job creation or displacement. It also documents significant events that have influenced the structure and dynamics of global value chains during the period under review, thereby providing policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders with an evidence base to better understand the evolving patterns of international production and trade.
the Global Value Chains (GVC) dataset comprises ten variables as defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/918. These variables collectively provide a structured view of enterprise participation in international production networks. Specifically, the dataset covers:
(1) employment by business function
(2-5) enterprises purchasing or supplying goods and services abroad
(6) the number of enterprises carrying out international sourcing
(7-8) jobs created and lost resulting from international sourcing
(9) motivations and barriers for sourcing, and
(10) events affecting GVC arrangements.
For variables (2) through (5), the dataset applies a threshold: only enterprises reporting at least EUR 100,000 in goods or services purchased from or supplied abroad in the final year of the reference period are included. This ensures that the statistics focus on economically significant transactions.
All data are presented in absolute values and disaggregated according to multiple dimensions required by the regulation. These include NACE activity classification, business function, geographical partner area, enterprise size class, motivation and barrier categories, and other breakdowns necessary to capture the complexity of GVC participation.
30 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. 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 and the Business Register Regulation.
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.
At national level, enterprises with fewer than 3 employees were eliminated as they were not relevant for the purposes of the survey.
The reference area is the national economic territory of Italy 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 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.
The overall accuracy was assessed through checks on coverage, internal consistency, and consistency with related business statistics. The implementation of these checks ensured that the data collected were both complete and coherent. Partial non‑responses were not possible, while total non‑responses were minimized thanks to a series of reminders sent to enterprises. In addition, detailed instructions were provided to guide respondents, enabling enterprises to complete the questionnaire independently. A dedicated thematic support service was also made available by Istat to assist respondents when needed. Finally, consistency checks with other statistical sources produced very positive results, further strengthening the reliability of the dataset.
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 validated data are complete, as the system does not allow the submission of partially filled questionnaires. This procedural safeguard ensures that all records included in the final dataset contain the full set of required variables.
After the validation phase, the process moves on to the subsequent stages of data treatment, in this phase, the data provided by Legal Units (LeUs), were consolidated in enterpises in accordance with Eurostat guidelines.
Subsequently, calibration weights for non-responding enterprises were computed on the final database. The weighting procedure pursued two main objectives: first, to correct estimates for potential bias arising from non-response; and second, to align direct estimates with known population totals available from the sampling frame. Consistent with the standard methodology adopted by ISTAT, the final weights used for the grossing-up of the GVC survey data were derived through the application of a calibration estimator. The process achieved full convergence, ensuring that the final estimates were perfectly consistent with the known population totals
The unit of analysis is the enterprise, whereas the reporting unit is the legal unit. The enterprises included in the target population (NACE sections B-N with 50 or more persons employed ) are drawn from the register of active enterprises, with reference year 2023.
The target population is composed of 26,050 enterprises and 36,893 legal units.
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 and usually takes place after the transmission of data and metadata to Eurostat.
The activities were carefully scheduled to avoid any overlap with other internal deadlines and to ensure full compliance with the timelines established by the Regulation.
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.
Geographical comparability is supported by the harmonised definitions 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 under the European Business Statistics (EBS) Regulation. However, the country has previous experience with voluntary GVC surveys carried out before the EBS framework. The dataset is fully comparable with the 2018–2020 reference cycle, ensuring continuity and consistency over time.
