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.
Business, Energy, Environment, Agriculture, Science and Technology and Information Society Statistics Division
1.3. Contact name
Confidential because of GDPR
1.4. Contact person function
Confidential because of GDPR
1.5. Contact mail address
STATISTICAL SERVICE OF CYPRUS
CY-1444,
NICOSIA,
CYPRUS
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
10 February 2025
2.2. Metadata last posted
10 February 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
10 February 2025
3.1. Data description
Data on the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) usage and e-commerce in enterprises are survey data. They are collected by the National Statistical Institutes or Ministries and are in principle based on Eurostat's annual model questionnaires on ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises.
The legal basis for ICT enterprise statistics for survey year 2024 is Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1507 of 20 July 2023 laying down the technical specifications of data requirements for the topic 'ICT usage and e-commerce' for the reference year 2024. Large part of the data collected is used to measure the progress in the implementation of one of the main political priorities of the European Commission for 2019 to 2024 – A Europe fit for the digital age.
Furthermore, ICT data facilitate the monitoring of the EU’s digital targets for 2030, set by the Digital Decade Policy Programme. Four of the key performance indicators (KPIs) of the current programme stem from the statistics for which the implementing and delegated acts are enclosed for adoption: Artificial Intelligence, cloud, big data (data analytics) and the digital intensity index for businesses (DII) - a composite indicator reflecting the digital transformation of business. The aim of the European survey on ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises is to collect and disseminate harmonised and comparable information at European level.
Name of data collection
ΕΡΕΥΝΑ ΧΡΗΣΗΣ ΤΕΧΝΟΛΟΓΙΩΝ ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΙΚΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝΙΚΟΥ ΕΜΠΟΡΙΟΥ ΣΤΙΣ ΕΠΙΧΕΙΡΗΣΕΙΣ 2024
SURVEY ON ICT USAGE AND E-COMMERCE IN ENTERPRISES 2024.
All economic activities in the scope of Annex of the Commission Regulation are intended to be included in the general survey, covering enterprises with 10 or more employees and self-employed persons. These activities are:
- Section C – “Manufacturing”
- Section D, E – “Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply”, “Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities”
- Section F – “Construction”
- Section G – “Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles”
- Section H – “Transportation and storage”
- Section I – “Accommodation and food service activities”
- Section J – “Information and communication”
- Section L – “Real estate activities”
- Section M – “Professional, scientific and technical activities”
- Section N – "Administrative and support service activities"
- Group 95.1 – “Repair of computers and communication equipment”.
For micro-enterprises see the sub-concepts below.
3.3.1. Coverage-sector economic activity for micro-enterprises - All NACE Rev. 2 categories are covered
Micro-enterprises are not included in the survey
3.3.2. Coverage sector economic activity for micro-enterprises - If not all activities were covered, which ones were covered?
Not applicable
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
The model questionnaire on ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises provides a large variety of variables covering among others the following topics:
Access to and use of the Internet;
commerce and e-business;
ICT specialists and skills;
ICT security;
Artificial Intelligence.
The annual model questionnaires and the European businesses statistics compliers’ manual for ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises comprise definitions and explanations regarding the topics of the survey.
3.5. Statistical unit
Enterprise.
3.6. Statistical population
Target Population
As required by Annex of the Commission Implementing Regulation, enterprises with 10 or more employees and self-employed persons are covered by the survey.
For micro-enterprises see the sub-concepts below.
3.6.1. Coverage of micro-enterprises
No
3.6.2. Breakdown between size classes [0 to 1] and [2 to 9]
No
3.6.3. If for micro-enterprises different size delimitation was used, please indicate it.
Not applicable.
3.7. Reference area
Detailed information on the provision of data on NUTS 2 regional level is available in “Annex I. Completeness“. Government controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Years 2023 and 2024.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
Percentages of enterprises, Percentages of turnover, Percentages of employees and self-employed persons, Million euro (for selected indicators in some countries).
The reference periods defined in the model questionnaire were followed in the national survey.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Complementary national legislation constituting the legal basis for the survey on the use of ICT in enterprises:
Article 3 of the Official Statistics Law, No. 25(I) of 2021 defines the functions of the Statistical Service of Cyprus regarding the production and dissemination of official statistics. Moreover, Article 13, explicitly stipulates the mandate for data collection and introduces a mandatory response to statistical enquiries by stipulating the obligation of respondents to reply to surveys and provide the data required. This relates not only to national but also to European statistics which, by virtue of Article 8 of the said Law, are incorporated in the annual and multiannual programmes of work without any further procedure.
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Not applicable.
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics (recital 24 and Article 20(4)) of 11 March 2009 (OJ L 87, p. 164), stipulates the need to establish common principles and guidelines ensuring the confidentiality of data used for the production of European statistics and the access to those confidential data with due account for technical developments and the requirements of users in a democratic society.
At national level:
Official statistics are released in accordance to all confidentiality provisions of the following:
Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2009 on European statistics and its later amendments (especially Chapter 5 on statistical confidentiality).
Data are transmitted via eDamis (encrypted) and delivered to a secure environment where they are treated. Flags are added for confidentiality in case results must not be disclosed.
Notifications about the dissemination of statistics are published in the release calendar, which is available on CYSTAT’s website. The annual release calendar, announced during the 4th quarter of the each year, includes provisional dates which are finalised the week before publication.
8.2. Release calendar access
The release calendar is available on the website of the Statistical Service of Cyprus.
8.3. Release policy - user access
According to the Dissemination and Pricing Policy of the Statistical Service of Cyprus (section 2.3), CYSTAT΄s main channel for dissemination of statistics is the website, which offers the same conditions to everyone and is updated at the same time every working day (12:00 noon). No privileged pre-released access is granted.
In addition to the annual release calendar, users are informed of the various statistical releases through the “Alert” service provided by CYSTAT.
Notifications about the dissemination of statistics are published in the release calendar, which is available on CYSTAT’s website.
The annual release calendar, announced during the 4th quarter of the each year, includes provisional dates which are finalised the week before publication.
The Release Calendar is updated every Friday and contains the following:
Confirmed announcements: announcements which are scheduled to be released in the following week,
Preliminary announcements: announcements to be released until the end of the year, and
Published announcements: published announcements.
The data release policy of CyStat regarding the ICT data is the same as the general policy.
Annual
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
Survey Results (press / news release) from the survey are available on the website of the Statistical Service of Cyprus under the Statistical Theme “Science and Technology / Information Society”.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
Survey Results (publications) from the survey are available on the web portal of the Statistical Service of Cyprus under the Statistical Theme “Science and Technology / Information Society”.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
See detailed section 10.3.1.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
Results for selected variables collected in the framework of this survey are available for all participating countries on Digital economy and society of Eurostat website.
The European businesses statistics compilers’ manual for ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises provides guidelines and clarifications for the implementation of the surveys.
At national level:
"Summary Results" describing the results of the survey illustrated with figures (see Annexes - Summary Results: ICT usage and e- commerce in enterprises, 2024)
"Enumerators Instructions" (see Annexes - Enumerators Instructions ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises, 2024)
CYSTAT has set its strategic goal to provide high-quality statistical information in an objective, transparent, reliable and timely manner. For this reason, CYSTAT established the "Quality Policy" which forms the basis of all statistical activities and leads towards continuous improvement of its statistical output.
11.1. Quality assurance
The European businesses statistics compliers’ manual for ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises provides guidelines and standards for the implementation of the surveys. It is updated every year according to the changed contents of the model questionnaires.
Additionally, CYSTAT has issued "Quality Guidlines for Statistical Processes", aiming to provide guidance on statistical production processes. The two pillars on which the guidelines are based, are the European Statistics Code of Practice which provides the basic principles for the production of high-quality European statistics and the GSPBM which defines and describes the main phases of the statistical production processes. This document provides a description of CYSTAT's Quality Policy, of the phases of statistical production and specific guidlines to be followed in every phase of statistical production. It is available internally to CYSTAT staff.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
At European level, the recommended use of the annual Eurostat model questionnaire aims at improving comparability of the results among the countries that conduct the survey on ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises. Moreover, the European businesses statistics compilers’ manual for ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises provides guidelines and clarifications for the implementation of the surveys.
At national level:
The European business statistics compliers’ manual for ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises provided by Eurostat includes the guidelines and standards used by CYSTAT for the implementation of the survey. The Eurostat model questionnaire on ICT usage and e-Commerce in enterprises for 2024 was used.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Not available.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Since 2008 (with the exception of 2010, 2013 and 2020) CYSTAT carries out an annual online “Users Satisfaction Survey”. Available results of the surveys are on CYSTAT’s web portal. Overall, there is a high level of satisfaction of the users of statistical data published by CYSTAT.
12.3. Completeness
Detailed information is available in “ Annex I. Completeness “ - related to questionnaire, coverage, additional questions, regional data.
Comments on reliability and representativeness of results and completeness of dataset
These comments reflect overall standard errors reported for the indicators and breakdowns in section 13.2.1 (Sampling error - indicators) and the rest of the breakdowns for national and European aggregates, as well as other accuracy measurements. The estimated standard error should not exceed 2pp for the overall proportions and should not exceed 5pp for the proportions related to the different subgroups of the population (for those NACE aggregates for the calculation and dissemination of national aggregates). If problems were found, these could have implications for future surveys (e.g. need to improve sampling design, to increase sample sizes, to increase the response rates).
More detailed information is available in “ Annex II. Accuracy “ - related to European aggregates, comments on reliability and use of flag.
For calculation of the standard error see 13.2.1.1.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Standard error (for selected indicators and breakdowns)
Precision measures related to variability due to sampling, unit non-response (the size of the subset of respondents is smaller than the size of the original sample) and other (imputation for item non-response, calibration etc.) are not (yet) required from the Member states for all indicators. Eurostat will make basic assumptions to compute these measures for all indicators produced (e.g. stratified random sampling assuming as strata the crossing of the variables “Number of employees and self-employed persons” and “Economic Activity” as it was defined in the 3 tables of section 18.1).
More detailed information is available in“ Annex III. Sample and standard error tables 2024 “ – worksheets starting with “Standard error".
Various methods can be used for the calculation of the standard error for an estimated proportion. The aim is to incorporate into the standard error the sampling variability but also variability due to unit non-response, item non-response (imputation), calibration etc. In case of census / take-all strata, the aim is to calculate the standard errors comprising the variability due to unit non-response and item non-response.
a) Name and brief description of the applied estimation approach
Standard errors were calculated under the assumption that the enterprises which responded to the survey behave as a stratified simple random sample. The standard error of the ratios' estimators is calculated using Taylor linearization technique.
b) Basic formula
In order to calculate the standard error for variables E_AWSVAL and E_AXSVAL, the function svystatR of the R package ReGenesees is used.
In order to calculate the standard error for variables E_RA_M, E_AWSEU, E_AXSELL, E_ITSP2, E_ITSPRCR2, E_SECPOL2, E_SEC2IUSVF, E_RM, E_AWS_COWN, E_AWS_CMP, E_SECMSPSW and E_AI_TTM the function svystatTM of the R package ReGenesees is used.
c)Main reference in the literature
Not Available
d)How has the stratification been taken into account?
In order to take stratification into account, the function e.svydesign of the package ReGenesees is used prior to using the functions svystatTM and svystatR.
e)Which strata have been considered?
Two variables were used for stratification, NACE group and SIZE. There were 96 strata for the enterprises in sections C10_S951_XK.
13.3. Non-sampling error
See detailed sections below.
13.3.1. Coverage error
See concept 18.1.1. A) Description of frame population.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
The un-weighted over - coverage rate defined as the ratio of out of scope enterprises to the total number of enterprises is 4,1%.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not requested
13.3.2. Measurement error
1) Measurement errors: Not applicable. No measurement errors were detected.
2) Questionnaire design and testing: The questionnaire used was the model questionnaire provided by Eurostat. No additional efforts were made regarding the questionnaire design and testing.
3) Interviewer training: The interviewers engaged for the survey were trained before the beginning of the survey about:
different aspects of the questionnaire (different topics covered by the survey, concepts and definitions),
the use of CAWI and CATI,
interview techniques (provide assistance in cases were it was needed),
procedures regarding the day to day operation of the survey (contacting enterprises informing them about the survey and when needed requesting clarifications regarding the data collected)
They were also provided with a set of enumerators instructions (see annex attached-Enumerators Instructions - ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises, 2024). During the survey period they were monitored on a regularly basis by the responsible officer (supervisor).
The following table contains the number of units (i.e. enterprises), by type of response to the survey and by the percentage of these values in relation to the gross sample size.
Type of response
Enterprises
0-9 (or 2-9) employees and self-employed persons
10 or more employees and self-employed persons
Number
%
Number
%
Gross sample size (as in section 3.1 C)
100%
4942
100%
1. Response (questionnaires returned by the enterprise)
4124
83.4
1.1 Used for tabulation and grossing up (Net sample or Final Sample; as in section 3.1 D)
3900
78.9
1.2 Not used for tabulation
224
4.5
1.2.1 Out of scope (deaths, misclassified originally in the target population, etc.)
204
4.1
1.2.2 Other reasons (e.g. unusable questionnaire)
20
0.4
2. Non-response (e.g. non returned mail, returned mail by post office)
818
16.6
Comments on unit response, if unit response is below 60%
No comments
13.3.3.1.2. Methods used for minimizing unit non-response
In order to minimize the unit non-response rate the following measures were applied:
a) informative e-mail to the IT manager of the enterprise just before the beginning of the data collection period,
b) e-mail reminders were sent,
c) telephone reminders,
d) offer of telephone assistance when needed.
13.3.3.1.3. Methods used for unit non-response treatment
1. No treatment for unit non-response
2. Treatment by re-weighting
2.1 Re-weighting by the sampling design strata considering that non-response is ignorable inside each stratum (the naïve model)
2.2 Re-weighting by identified response homogeneity groups (created using sample-level information)
2.3 Re-weighting through calibration/post-stratification (performed using population information) by the groups used for calibration/post-stratification
3. Treatment by imputation (done distinctly for each variable/item)
4. Method(s) and the model(s) corresponding to the above or other method(s) used for the treatment of unit non-response. (e.g. Re-weighting using Horvitz-Thompson estimator, ratio estimator or regression estimator, auxiliary variables)
Unit non-response is taken into account by calculating the weights as Ni/ni where Ni=number of enterprises in stratum i of the population and ni=number of responding enterprises in stratum i of the population.
13.3.3.1.4. Assessment of unit non-response bias
Not applicable.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Item non-response rate was 2.2% only for question X3 on turnover.
13.3.3.2.1. Methods used for item non-response treatment
1. No treatment for item non-response
2. Deductive imputation An exact value can be derived as a known function of other characteristics.
3. Deterministic imputation (e.g. mean/median, mean/median by class, ratio-based, regression-based, single donor nearest-neighbour) Deterministic imputation leads to estimators with no random component, that is, if the imputation were to be re-conducted, the outcome would be the same.
X
4. Random imputation (e.g. hot-deck, cold-deck) Random imputation leads to estimators with a random component, that is, if the imputation were re-conducted, it would have led to a different result.
5. Re-weighting
6. Multiple imputation In multiple imputation each missing value is replaced (instead of a single value) with a set of plausible values that represent the uncertainty of the right value to impute. Multiple imputation methods offer the possibility of deriving variance estimators by taking imputation into account. The incorporation of imputation into the variance can be easily derived based on variability of estimates among the multiply imputed data sets.
7. Method(s) and the model(s) corresponding to the above or other method(s) used for the treatment of item non-response.
Imputation of the mean within classes for item-non-response was used only for question X3 on turnover. For all other variables, no imputation was carried out.
13.3.3.2.2. Questions or items with item response rates below 90% and other comments
Other comments relating to the item non-response
Additional issues concerning "item non-response" calculation (e.g. method used in national publications).
Not Applicable
Questions and items with low response rates (cut-off value is 90%) and item non-response rate.
No questions or items with response rates below 90% existed.
13.3.4. Processing error
No processing errors were detected.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not requested
14.1. Timeliness
See detailed section in the Full metadata report.
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Not applicable
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Data are to be delivered to Eurostat in the fourth quarter of the reference year (due date for the finalised dataset is 5th October). European results are released before the end of the survey year or in the beginning of the year following the survey year (T=reference year, T+0 for indicators referring to the current year, T+12 months for other indicators referring to the previous year e.g. e-commerce).
At national level:
No deviation from the above statement. Data (finalised dataset) were delivered to Eurostat before the due date (5th October).
14.2. Punctuality
See detailed section below.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
Data were delivered to Eurostat on the 30th of September, 2024; 5 days before the deadline.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
The model questionnaire is generally used by the countries that conduct the survey on ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises. Due to (small) differences in translation, in the used survey vehicle, in non-response treatment or different routing through the questionnaire, some results for some countries may be of reduced comparability. In these cases, notes are added in the data.
Detailed information on differences in the wording of the questions in the national questionnaires is available in “ Annex I. Completeness “ - worksheets related to questionnaire, coverage, additional questions.
There were no deviations from the model questionnaire or the concepts described in the Methodological manual that would affect the comparability of data.
Comparability between regions:
Data on NUTS 2 regional level were not delivered.
Detailed information on the provision of data on NUTS 2 regional level is available in “Annex I. Completeness“ – worksheets related to regional data.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable
15.2. Comparability - over time
See detailed section in the Full metadata report.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
The length of comparable time series depends on the module and the variable considered within each survey module. Additional information is available in annexes attached to the European metadata.
No changes were made in the survey which may have an impact on the comparability of the results.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Not applicable
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
Not applicable
15.4. Coherence - internal
Not applicable
Restricted from publication
17.1. Data revision - policy
A data revision policy is in place at CYSTAT. It is published on CYSTAT’s web portal.
CYSTAT also publishes a list of scheduled revisions (regular or major revisions), also published on its website.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Not Applicable: there are no revisions to report.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not requested
18.1. Source data
A) Frame population description and distribution
For more information see concept 18.1.1.
B) Sampling design - Sampling method
Description of the sampling method used (e.g. stratified random sample, quota sampling, cluster sampling; one-stage or two-stage sampling) and information which variables were used to stratify, the categories of those variables, in particular for the NACE Rev. 2 categories related to the "possible calculation of European aggregates", and the final number of strata:
Not Applicable since for the year 2024 it has been decided to cover all enterprises with 10 or more employees (census of enterprises). In the frame there were 32 NACE groups and 3 size groups.
C) Gross sample distribution
More detailed information is available in “ Annex III. Sample and standard error tables 2024 “ (Worksheet: GROSS SAMPLE)
D) Net sample distribution
More detailed information is available in “ Annex III. Sample and standard error tables 2024 “ (Worksheet: NET SAMPLE)
a) When was the sample for the ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprise survey drawn?
Not applicable, since a census was carried out for the survey year 2024.
b) Last update of the Business register that was used for drawing the sample of enterprises for the survey:
The last update of the Business Register was in September 2023 for the reference period of December 2022.
c) Indication if the frame population is the same as, or is in some way coordinated with, the one used for the Structural Business Statistics (different snapshots):
The frame population is the Business Register which is the same for both ICT and SBS surveys. However, different snapshots of the frame are used for ICT and SBS due to the continuous updating of the Business Register.
d) Description if different frames are used during different stages of the statistical process (e.g. frame used for sampling vs. frame used for grossing up):
The frame population is extracted from the Business Register which is updated using administrative data (V.A.T. Services, Social Insurance Services and the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property) and data from the surveys conducted by the Statistical Service of Cyprus.Due to the continuous updating of the Business Register, the frames used for sampling and grossing up are different.
e) Indication the shortcomings in terms of timeliness (e.g. time lag between last update of the sampling frame and the moment of the actual sampling), geographical coverage, coverage of different subpopulations, data available etc., and any measures taken to correct it, for this survey.
The frame used for the survey compared to the data reference year, is T-2 years. Measures taken: Updated Business Register data is provided.
B) Frame population distribution
More detailed information is available in “ Annex III. Sample and standard error tables 2024 “ (Worksheet: FRAME POPULATION)
Date of reception of the last questionnaire treated
General survey
14 February 2024
30 June 2024
Micro-enterprises
Not applicable
Not applicable
18.3.2. Survey vehicle – general survey
General survey - Stand-alone survey
18.3.3. Survey vehicle – micro-enterprises
Not applicable
18.3.4. Survey type
Web-survey. The web questionnaire was available online during the entire survey period. The enterprises were informed about the web survey by email and by telephone. When needed (by the enterprise), telephone assistance was provided by trained CYSTAT interviewers.
18.3.5. Survey participation
Mandatory
18.4. Data validation
Data have been validated according to Eurostat’s standards.
Year to year checks were also carried out before data transmission.
18.5. Data compilation
Grossing-up procedures
To gross up the number of enterprises, the following factor is applied:
Factori = Ni /ni
where
Ni = total number of enterprises in stratum i of the population
ni = total number of enterprises in stratum i of the sample
sample = the enterprises that responded in stratum i
For the results according to NACE Rev.2 the population figures Ni, EMPLOYEESi and TURNOVERi for the different strata were obtained from the updated version of Business Register.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Imputation of the mean within classes for item-non-response was used only for question X3 on turnover, where the item non-response was 2,2%. For all other variables, no imputation was carried out.
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable
Problems encountered and lessons to be learnt: No other comments.
19.1. Documents
Questionnaire in national language
X
Questionnaire in English (if available)
X
National reports on methodology (if available)
Analysis of key results, backed up by tables and graphs in English (if available)
X
Other Annexes (ENT ENUMERATORS INSTRUCTIONS - set of guidelines/instructions given to the enumerators during training)
Data on the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) usage and e-commerce in enterprises are survey data. They are collected by the National Statistical Institutes or Ministries and are in principle based on Eurostat's annual model questionnaires on ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises.
The legal basis for ICT enterprise statistics for survey year 2024 is Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1507 of 20 July 2023 laying down the technical specifications of data requirements for the topic 'ICT usage and e-commerce' for the reference year 2024. Large part of the data collected is used to measure the progress in the implementation of one of the main political priorities of the European Commission for 2019 to 2024 – A Europe fit for the digital age.
Furthermore, ICT data facilitate the monitoring of the EU’s digital targets for 2030, set by the Digital Decade Policy Programme. Four of the key performance indicators (KPIs) of the current programme stem from the statistics for which the implementing and delegated acts are enclosed for adoption: Artificial Intelligence, cloud, big data (data analytics) and the digital intensity index for businesses (DII) - a composite indicator reflecting the digital transformation of business. The aim of the European survey on ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises is to collect and disseminate harmonised and comparable information at European level.
Name of data collection
ΕΡΕΥΝΑ ΧΡΗΣΗΣ ΤΕΧΝΟΛΟΓΙΩΝ ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΙΚΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΙΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΗΛΕΚΤΡΟΝΙΚΟΥ ΕΜΠΟΡΙΟΥ ΣΤΙΣ ΕΠΙΧΕΙΡΗΣΕΙΣ 2024
SURVEY ON ICT USAGE AND E-COMMERCE IN ENTERPRISES 2024.
10 February 2025
The model questionnaire on ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises provides a large variety of variables covering among others the following topics:
Access to and use of the Internet;
commerce and e-business;
ICT specialists and skills;
ICT security;
Artificial Intelligence.
The annual model questionnaires and the European businesses statistics compliers’ manual for ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises comprise definitions and explanations regarding the topics of the survey.
Enterprise.
Target Population
As required by Annex of the Commission Implementing Regulation, enterprises with 10 or more employees and self-employed persons are covered by the survey.
For micro-enterprises see the sub-concepts below.
Detailed information on the provision of data on NUTS 2 regional level is available in “Annex I. Completeness“. Government controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus.
The reference periods defined in the model questionnaire were followed in the national survey.
Comments on reliability and representativeness of results and completeness of dataset
These comments reflect overall standard errors reported for the indicators and breakdowns in section 13.2.1 (Sampling error - indicators) and the rest of the breakdowns for national and European aggregates, as well as other accuracy measurements. The estimated standard error should not exceed 2pp for the overall proportions and should not exceed 5pp for the proportions related to the different subgroups of the population (for those NACE aggregates for the calculation and dissemination of national aggregates). If problems were found, these could have implications for future surveys (e.g. need to improve sampling design, to increase sample sizes, to increase the response rates).
More detailed information is available in “ Annex II. Accuracy “ - related to European aggregates, comments on reliability and use of flag.
Percentages of enterprises, Percentages of turnover, Percentages of employees and self-employed persons, Million euro (for selected indicators in some countries).
Grossing-up procedures
To gross up the number of enterprises, the following factor is applied:
Factori = Ni /ni
where
Ni = total number of enterprises in stratum i of the population
ni = total number of enterprises in stratum i of the sample
sample = the enterprises that responded in stratum i
For the results according to NACE Rev.2 the population figures Ni, EMPLOYEESi and TURNOVERi for the different strata were obtained from the updated version of Business Register.
A) Frame population description and distribution
For more information see concept 18.1.1.
B) Sampling design - Sampling method
Description of the sampling method used (e.g. stratified random sample, quota sampling, cluster sampling; one-stage or two-stage sampling) and information which variables were used to stratify, the categories of those variables, in particular for the NACE Rev. 2 categories related to the "possible calculation of European aggregates", and the final number of strata:
Not Applicable since for the year 2024 it has been decided to cover all enterprises with 10 or more employees (census of enterprises). In the frame there were 32 NACE groups and 3 size groups.
C) Gross sample distribution
More detailed information is available in “ Annex III. Sample and standard error tables 2024 “ (Worksheet: GROSS SAMPLE)
D) Net sample distribution
More detailed information is available in “ Annex III. Sample and standard error tables 2024 “ (Worksheet: NET SAMPLE)
The model questionnaire is generally used by the countries that conduct the survey on ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises. Due to (small) differences in translation, in the used survey vehicle, in non-response treatment or different routing through the questionnaire, some results for some countries may be of reduced comparability. In these cases, notes are added in the data.
Detailed information on differences in the wording of the questions in the national questionnaires is available in “ Annex I. Completeness “ - worksheets related to questionnaire, coverage, additional questions.
There were no deviations from the model questionnaire or the concepts described in the Methodological manual that would affect the comparability of data.
Comparability between regions:
Data on NUTS 2 regional level were not delivered.
Detailed information on the provision of data on NUTS 2 regional level is available in “Annex I. Completeness“ – worksheets related to regional data.
