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.
Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union
1.2. Contact organisation unit
G4: Innovation and digitalisation
1.3. Contact name
Restricted from publication
1.4. Contact person function
Restricted from publication
1.5. Contact mail address
2920 Luxembourg LUXEMBOURG
1.6. Contact email address
Restricted from publication
1.7. Contact phone number
Restricted from publication
1.8. Contact fax number
Restricted from publication
2.1. Metadata last certified
12 December 2024
2.2. Metadata last posted
12 December 2024
2.3. Metadata last update
12 December 2024
3.1. Data description
Data provided in this domain are collected on a yearly basis by the National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) and are based on the annualEurostat model questionnaires on ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) usage and e-commerce in enterprises.
It facilitates monitoring of the EU’s digital targets for 2030 set by the Digital Compass for the EU's Digital Decade, evolving around four cardinal points: skills, digital transformation of businesses, secure and sustainable digital infrastructures, and digitalization of public services.
The aim of the European ICT usage survey is to collect and disseminate harmonised and comparable information on the use of Information and Communication Technologies and e-commerce in enterprises at European level.
Coverage:
The characteristics to be provided are drawn from the following list of subjects:
ICT systems and their usage in enterprises,
use of the internet and other electronic networks by enterprises,
e-commerce,
e-business processes and organisational aspects,
ICT competence in the enterprise and the need for ICT skills,
barriers to the use of ICT, the internet and other electronic networks, e-commerce and e-business processes,
ICT security and incidents,
access to and use of the internet and other network technologies for connecting objects and devices (Internet of Things),
access to and use of technologies providing the ability to connect to the internet or other networks from anywhere at any time (ubiquitous connectivity),
use of Artificial Intelligence,
use of Cloud computing,
data analytics,
use of 3D printing,
use of robotics,
use of social media,
internet advertising
ICT and the environment.
Breakdowns:
by size class,
by NACE Rev. 2 categories,
by NUTS 2 regions (until 2010 and on optional basis since 2023)
NACE Rev. 2 (as of 2009, back-casting for the years 2003-2008)
Compulsory breakdowns for the national aggregates:
C10-18 Manufacture of products based on: food, beverages, tobacco, textile, leather, wood, pulp and paper; publishing and printing
C19-23 Manufacture of petroleum, chemical, pharmaceutical, rubber, plastic products and of other non-metallic mineral products
C24-25 Manufacture of basic metals and fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment
C26-33 Manufacture of computers, electric and optical products, electrical equipment, machinery and equipment n.e.c, motor vehicles, other transport equipment, furniture, other manufacturing, repair and installation of machinery and equipment
C10-33 Manufacturing
D35-E39 Production and distribution of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning; water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities
F41-43 Construction
G45-47 Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
G47 Retail trade
H49-53 Transport and storage
I55 Accommodation
I55-56 Accommodation; food and beverage service activities
J58-63 Information and communication
L68 Real estate activities
M69-75 Professional, scientific and technical activities, except veterinary activities
N77-82 Administrative and support service activities
S95.1 Repair of computers and communication equipment (added since 2010)
ICT_T Aggregate of NACE divisions and groups 26.1+26.2+26.3+26.4+26.8+46.5+58.2+61+62+63.1+95.1
In 2010, NACE Rev. 2 group S95.1 referring to "Repair of computers and communication equipment " was added to the scope for the enterprise survey and is hence included in the 2010 European aggregates (C10-S951_X_K, total of all economic activities covered without financial sector). Group 95.1 was not included in EU aggregates of previous years (10_C10_N82_XK, total of all economic activities without financial sector and without group 95.1). Comparability of 2010 EU aggregates (10_C10_N82_XK, excluding the group 95.1) with previous years is limited due to confidential data that are not included when calculating the aggregates.
In 2021, NACE Rev. 2 division M75 referring to veterinary activities, was added to the scope for the ICT enterprise survey and is hence included in the European aggregates (C10-S951_X_K, total of all economic activities covered without financial sector).
Breakdowns available at more detailed level for European aggregates
C10-12 Manufacture of beverages, food and tobacco products C13-15 Manufacture of textiles, wearing apparel, leather and related products C16-18 Manufacture of wood & products of wood & cork, except furniture; articles of straw & plaiting materials; paper & paper products; printing & reproduction of recorded media
C19 Manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products C20 Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products C21 Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations C22-23 Manufacture of rubber and plastic products; other non-metallic mineral products C26 Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products
C27 Manufacture of electrical equipment C28 Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c. C27-28 Manufacture of electrical equipment, machinery and equipment n.e.c. C29-30 Manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers, other transport equipment C31-33 Manufacture of furniture and other manufacturing; repair and installation of machinery and equipment
D35 Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply E36-39 Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities G45 Trade of motor vehicles and motorcycles G46 Wholesale trade, except of motor vehicles and motorcycles J58-60 Publishing activities; motion picture, video & television programme production, sound recording & music publishing; programming & broadcasting J61 Telecommunications J62-63 Computer programming, consultancy and related activities, information service activitiesM69-71 Legal and accounting activities; activities of head offices; management consultancy activities; architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis
M69-71 Legal and accounting activities; activities of head offices; management consultancy activities; architectural and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis M72 Scientific research and development M73-75 Advertising and market research; other professional, scientific and technical activities; veterinary activities
N77-82_X79 Activities for rental and leasing, employment, security & investigation, services to buildings &landscape, office administrative, office support & other business support
N79 Travel agency; tour operator reservation service and related activities S95.1 Repair of computers and communication equipment.
Optional 2011-2013, not covered starting from 2014 K64.19+K64.92+K65.1+K65.2+K66.12+K66.19 Other monetary intermediation, other credit granting, insurance, reinsurance, security and commodity contracts brokerage, other activities auxiliary to financial services, except insurance and pension funding.
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 areas:
General information about ICT systems;
Access to and use of the internet including mobile use of the internet;
e-commerce;
e-business including Artificial Intelligence, Data analytics, Cloud computing, Internet of Things, Big data analysis, 3D printing, Robotics, etc.
ICT specialists, training on ICT and e-skills;
ICT security;
ICT and the environment.
All variables collected in the framework of this survey are available in the comprehensive or working database (ACCESS format) published on the dedicated section Digital economy and society. An overview of all variables collected/published is available via the descriptive documents on the dedicated section of Digital economy and society at the end of the page.
See 3.6 for the definition of the statistical population.
3.5. Statistical unit
The statistical unit is the enterprise.
3.6. Statistical population
The survey population consists of enterprises with 10 or more employees and self-employed persons. Micro-enterprises are covered on an optional basis: 1-9 employees and self-employed persons until 2016, 0-9 employees and self-employed persons as of 2017.
Enterprises are broken down into size classes according to number of employees and self-employed persons: 10-49 (small enterprises), 50-249 (medium enterprises), 250+ (large enterprises), 10+ (total). Micro-enterprises are broken down into 0-1 and 2-9 employees and self-employed persons.
Out of around 1.54 million EU enterprises with at least 10 employees and self-employed persons, a sample of 157000 were surveyed (survey 2024). Of the 1.54 million enterprises, approximately 83 % were small enterprises (10-49 employees and self-employed persons), 14 % medium (50-249 employees and self-employed persons) and 3 % large (250 or more employees and self-employed persons).
3.7. Reference area
EU-Member States, Iceland and Norway, Candidate countries and potential Candidate countries.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Time series (annual data) are available from 2002 onwards (up to 2009 in NACE Rev. 1.1, as of 2009 in NACE Rev. 2).
In order to correctly measure the use of technologies, it is necessary to adapt questions to evolving phenomena and data needs. Occasionally, special modules or group of questions may focus on a specific topic. Moreover, the burden for responding enterprises must not exceed a defined threshold. Consequently, certain questions are asked only on a biennial or triennial basis. For these reasons time series may be interrupted or be shorter and dissemination tables may have empty spaces.
An overview of all collected and available variables per year is published on the dedicated section Digital economy and society under related descriptive documents: Variables collected/published - ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises NACE Rev. 2.
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
Results are generally weighted by the number of enterprises. Turnover weighting is used for turnover related questions. Employment weighting is used for questions on employees and self-employed persons and in addition to enterprise weighting for certain questions concerning general information about ICT systems, the use of the internet as well as for some questions relating to e-commerce.
On the basis of aggregated survey data transmitted by NSIs, Eurostat computes ratios (percentages). The most common units published are % of enterprises, % of employees and self-employed persons and % of turnover.
For selected e-commerce indicators are disseminated also absolute monetary values.
All units and breakdowns available are listed in the descriptive documents on the dedicated section of Digital economy and society at the end of the page.
In general, data refer to the current situation in the survey period, or where specified in the model questionnaire to the calendar year prior to the survey period (e.g. for questions relating to e-commerce and ICT specialists).
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Indicators from these surveys are among others used for benchmarking purposes (see under point 3.1). A set of benchmarking indicators using statistical information is to be provided through the European Statistical System (ESS).
Regulation (EU) 2019/2152 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 on European business statistics. The objective of this framework regulation is to establish a common framework for the systematic production of Community statistics on businesses. Annual implementing regulations for the topic ‘ICT usage and e-commerce’ allow for some flexibility in the content of the surveys and specify the technical specifications of data requirements for each reference year. See all legal acts related to this data collection.
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.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Data are transmitted to Eurostat via the single-entry point Edamis (encrypted) and delivered to a secure environment where these are automatically treated by corporate standard tools (EDIT). Only a restricted number of persons have access to this secure environment.
As stated in the transmission format, reporting countries are asked to provide flags in the dataset for primary and secondary confidentiality in order to avoid disclosure of confidential results.
8.1. Release calendar
The target is to release data within the survey year in December.
8.2. Release calendar access
The planned release dates are announced some weeks in advance on the dedicated section Digital economy and society. These dates are also published on the Eurostat website.
8.3. Release policy - user access
In line with the Community legal framework and the European Statistics Code of Practice Eurostat disseminates European statistics on Eurostat's website (see item 10 - 'Accessibility and clarity') respecting professional independence and in an objective, professional and transparent manner in which all users are treated equitably. The detailed arrangements are governed by the Eurostat protocol on impartial access to Eurostat data for users.
Yearly.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
Annual news releases online in December of the survey year or January of the following year, as well as news items on specific occasions (e.g. safer internet day).
Only aggregated data are transmitted to Eurostat (no micro-data are available). On the basis of aggregated data percentages (ratios) are calculated and disseminated (see more details under 18.5 Data compilation).
An overview of the variables collected and published can be consulted or downloaded from the dedicated section Digital economy and society, see 'Variables collected/published: ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises NACE rev. 2.
National Statistical Institutes provide Eurostat with quality reports comprising general methodological information of the survey, on statistical unit, target and frame population, sampling design, response and non-response, data processing, sampling errors, quality management aspects, etc.
Links to the country quality reports for 2024 are available in the section National metadata. Quality reports for previous years are available in a dedicated folder in CircaBC.
Furthermore, the use of the Eurostat model questionnaire ensures comparability of the results among participating countries.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
ICT usage statistics have overall good quality. The surveys are considered being a reliable source applying high standards with regard to the methodology. Like other surveys, the ICT usage surveys are based on a sample of the population. The results are therefore subject to the usual types of errors associated with random sampling.
Since the beginning of the surveys, NSIs provide annual quality reports describing the general and some more specific methodological characteristics related to the various stages of the national surveys in the enterprises (e.g. survey type, statistical units and target population, stratification and sampling design, information on item and unit non-response, grossing-up procedures, standard error calculations). These reports are survey execution reports and allow to assess the survey carried out and to detect possible points for improvement.
Since the 2011 survey, the EU standard error has been calculated annually and published for a selection of variables and breakdowns (see 13.2).
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Users contribute most to identifying/defining the topics to be covered. Hence, main users are consulted regularly and already at a very early stage through hearings and meetings (with Commission services) for their needs; also informal contacts with relevant users take place. User needs are taken into account throughout the whole discussion process of the model questionnaires.
Well established contacts within the Commission and with the OECD allow a clear picture about the key users' satisfaction as to the following quality aspects: good accuracy and reliability of results, very good timeliness and punctuality, satisfactory accessibility, good clarity and comparability over time and between countries, very good completeness and relevance.
12.3. Completeness
Completeness is assessed at several occasions: (i) during the validation process, (ii) for the verification of the grants, (iii) for the legal compliance assessment. Very good completeness of variables and breakdowns is achieved. Incomplete data tables may be due to biennial or triennial questions in the model questionnaire or to the optionality of certain questions (due to the constraints of the response burden).
Changes of questions in the model questionnaires are necessary because of the evolving nature of ICT. Improved questions require changing the codes of the indicators, which consequently break time series and give the impression of incomplete tables.
A large selection of ICT results are released in Eurobase tables; an overview of all available indicators per year is published on the dedicated section Digital economy and society, see 'Variables collected - ICT usage and e-Commerce in enterprises NACE Rev. 2'. All results are disseminated in the comprehensive or working databases (in MS ACCESS format) on the dedicated section Digital economy and society of the Eurostat website.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
In general, good accuracy and reliability of the results. Standard errors are calculated at national level and reported in the quality reports for a selection of indicators and breakdowns (see below).
The National Statistical Institutes provide Eurostat with the estimated standard error for a selection of indicators and breakdowns: three long term indicators for all detailed breakdowns, several indicators related to new and other important subjects (both groups weighted by number of enterprises) and three indicators weighted by persons employed or turnover.
Based on these national standard errors, Eurostat has calculated and published European standard errors since 2011.
The length of time between data availability and the event or phenomenon they describe can be considered as less than one year. The reference periods are laid down in the model questionnaires and are for some questions the current situation during the survey period (usually in the first half of the year), for other questions the previous calendar year. Data are delivered to Eurostat in the fourth quarter of the survey year and are released before the end of the same year (week 49-51) or in January of the following year.
14.2. Punctuality
As to the time lag between the actual delivery of data to Eurostat and the target date for data delivery, punctuality can in general be considered as very good.
Release dates for the publication of European results are published on the dedicated website. In the last years, ICT usage results have been released as announced in the published dates.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
The model questionnaire is generally used in the Member States. Occasionally, due to (small) differences in translation, in reference periods, in the used survey vehicle, in non-response treatment or different routing through the national questionnaire, some results for some countries may be of reduced comparability. In these cases, notes are added in the Variable specific notes.
See also Methodological explanation regarding implementation of the question D3 in 2022 and 2024 in the Annexes.
15.2. Comparability - over time
For some indicators very good comparability over time is achieved (e.g. internet access) since 2003 while for others it is satisfactory (e.g. e-commerce). Restricted comparability over time is also a consequence of necessary changes in definitions in order to measure the development of ICT.
See also Methodological explanation regarding implementation of the question D3 in 2022 and 2024 in the Annexes.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Coherence with structural business statistics (SBS):
Until survey year 2020, the coverage of SBS in terms of economic activities was broader as it covered B to N and S95, while the ICT usage survey covered sections C to N, except section K and M75 veterinary activities, and from S95 only S95.1. With entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2019/2152, SBS covers B to N and P to S, while from 2021 onwards the ICT usage survey covers sections C to N except K.
The mentioned background variables are used in the ICT usage survey as denominators for the calculation of ratios, only ratios are disseminated for the ICT usage survey.
In terms of size classes, the ICT usage survey covers enterprises with at least 10 employees and self-employed persons, enterprises with less than 10 employees and self-employed persons are covered on an optional basis. These size classes are available from SBS at that detailed level for comparison.
The source for the frame populations for the ICT usage survey is generally the statistical business register. A snapshot is usually taken in the last months preceding the year of the ICT survey. Following the feedback from responding enterprises, this snapshot of the frame population is generally updated (for deaths of enterprises or changed economic activities) during the survey. Population data of SBS are published only 18 months after the reference period, while ICT results are generally published in the same year as the ICT survey is carried out.
The total turnover used in the ICT survey refers to the previous calendar year, like the other questions referring to e-commerce sales. Some NSIs report preliminary turnover data, which may be revised as soon as SBS turnover becomes available.
15.4. Coherence - internal
Coherence between related questions of the model questionnaire is checked through detailed validation rules after data have been transmitted to Eurostat. If inconsistencies in data are detected, reporting countries are asked to verify and revise their results (sometimes also for previous periods).
During the negotiation of each new annual model questionnaire with data providers and main users, the number of questions and response burden are considered.
In the 2010 survey one optional question on response burden ("Time needed to fill out the questionnaire") was included. On the basis of 19 countries that had included this question in their national questionnaire, it was determined that it took on average 40 minutes to fill out this questionnaire (ranging from less than 20 to more than 80 minutes).
Data transmitted to Eurostat by the reporting countries undergo detailed verifications by applying automated validation procedures at the level of variables and breakdowns. The second step of data verification consists in the time series checks. Before dissemination, results for the main indicators (for example the benchmarking indicators) or of new questions are compared across countries. If after these verifications, acceptance and publication of data, inconsistencies are found, reporting countries are asked to verify and revise their results.
17.2. Data revision - practice
All reported errors (once validated) result in corrections of the disseminated data.
Reported errors are corrected in the disseminated data as soon as the correct data have been validated.
Data may be published even if they are missing for certain countries or flagged as provisional or of low reliability for certain countries. They are replaced with final data once transmitted and validated. Whenever new data are provided and validated, the already disseminated data are updated.
EU aggregates are compiled when the available countries represent 60% of the population and 55% of the number of countries defining the aggregate. When further national data become available, they are automatically included in the existing aggregate. Hence Eurostat aggregates may change due to the arrival of further data over and above the 60%/55% rule or any updated data provided by the NSIs.
Users are informed about revisions; more detailed information is given in the Excel file attached to the comprehensive or working database.
18.1. Source data
Data on ICT usage and e-commerce collected by EEA countries and Candidate countries are based on surveys. Data are collected by the NSIs based on Eurostat's annual model questionnaires.
Data are generally collected through online web questionnaires.
18.4. Data validation
Data transmitted by the reporting countries to Eurostat undergo detailed verifications by applying automated validation procedures at the level of variables and breakdowns. The second step of data verification consists in the time series checks. Before dissemination, results for the main indicators (for example the benchmarking indicators) are compared across countries.
18.5. Data compilation
On the basis of aggregated survey data transmitted by NSIs, Eurostat computes ratios. Mainly ratios (e.g. % of enterprises, % of turnover, % of employees and self-employed persons) are disseminated. In addition, the monetary values for selected e-commerce variables are also published.
Results are generally weighted by the number of enterprises. Turnover/purchases weighting is used for turnover/purchases related questions. Employment weighting is used for questions on employees and self-employed persons and in addition to enterprise weighting for certain questions concerning general information about ICT systems, the use of the internet as well as for some questions relating to e-commerce.
EU aggregates are compiled when the available countries represent 60% of the population and 55% of the number of countries defining the aggregate. National data flagged confidential are not included in EU aggregates whereas national data flagged as unreliable are included when calculating the EU aggregates. Aggregates are only calculated using available data, no estimates for missing data are made (except if provided by reporting countries).
Data provided in this domain are collected on a yearly basis by the National Statistical Institutes (NSIs) and are based on the annualEurostat model questionnaires on ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) usage and e-commerce in enterprises.
It facilitates monitoring of the EU’s digital targets for 2030 set by the Digital Compass for the EU's Digital Decade, evolving around four cardinal points: skills, digital transformation of businesses, secure and sustainable digital infrastructures, and digitalization of public services.
The aim of the European ICT usage survey is to collect and disseminate harmonised and comparable information on the use of Information and Communication Technologies and e-commerce in enterprises at European level.
Coverage:
The characteristics to be provided are drawn from the following list of subjects:
ICT systems and their usage in enterprises,
use of the internet and other electronic networks by enterprises,
e-commerce,
e-business processes and organisational aspects,
ICT competence in the enterprise and the need for ICT skills,
barriers to the use of ICT, the internet and other electronic networks, e-commerce and e-business processes,
ICT security and incidents,
access to and use of the internet and other network technologies for connecting objects and devices (Internet of Things),
access to and use of technologies providing the ability to connect to the internet or other networks from anywhere at any time (ubiquitous connectivity),
use of Artificial Intelligence,
use of Cloud computing,
data analytics,
use of 3D printing,
use of robotics,
use of social media,
internet advertising
ICT and the environment.
Breakdowns:
by size class,
by NACE Rev. 2 categories,
by NUTS 2 regions (until 2010 and on optional basis since 2023)
12 December 2024
The model questionnaire on ICT usage and e-commerce in enterprises provides a large variety of variables covering among others the following areas:
General information about ICT systems;
Access to and use of the internet including mobile use of the internet;
e-commerce;
e-business including Artificial Intelligence, Data analytics, Cloud computing, Internet of Things, Big data analysis, 3D printing, Robotics, etc.
ICT specialists, training on ICT and e-skills;
ICT security;
ICT and the environment.
All variables collected in the framework of this survey are available in the comprehensive or working database (ACCESS format) published on the dedicated section Digital economy and society. An overview of all variables collected/published is available via the descriptive documents on the dedicated section of Digital economy and society at the end of the page.
See 3.6 for the definition of the statistical population.
The statistical unit is the enterprise.
The survey population consists of enterprises with 10 or more employees and self-employed persons. Micro-enterprises are covered on an optional basis: 1-9 employees and self-employed persons until 2016, 0-9 employees and self-employed persons as of 2017.
Enterprises are broken down into size classes according to number of employees and self-employed persons: 10-49 (small enterprises), 50-249 (medium enterprises), 250+ (large enterprises), 10+ (total). Micro-enterprises are broken down into 0-1 and 2-9 employees and self-employed persons.
Out of around 1.54 million EU enterprises with at least 10 employees and self-employed persons, a sample of 157000 were surveyed (survey 2024). Of the 1.54 million enterprises, approximately 83 % were small enterprises (10-49 employees and self-employed persons), 14 % medium (50-249 employees and self-employed persons) and 3 % large (250 or more employees and self-employed persons).
EU-Member States, Iceland and Norway, Candidate countries and potential Candidate countries.
In general, data refer to the current situation in the survey period, or where specified in the model questionnaire to the calendar year prior to the survey period (e.g. for questions relating to e-commerce and ICT specialists).
In general, good accuracy and reliability of the results. Standard errors are calculated at national level and reported in the quality reports for a selection of indicators and breakdowns (see below).
Results are generally weighted by the number of enterprises. Turnover weighting is used for turnover related questions. Employment weighting is used for questions on employees and self-employed persons and in addition to enterprise weighting for certain questions concerning general information about ICT systems, the use of the internet as well as for some questions relating to e-commerce.
On the basis of aggregated survey data transmitted by NSIs, Eurostat computes ratios (percentages). The most common units published are % of enterprises, % of employees and self-employed persons and % of turnover.
For selected e-commerce indicators are disseminated also absolute monetary values.
All units and breakdowns available are listed in the descriptive documents on the dedicated section of Digital economy and society at the end of the page.
On the basis of aggregated survey data transmitted by NSIs, Eurostat computes ratios. Mainly ratios (e.g. % of enterprises, % of turnover, % of employees and self-employed persons) are disseminated. In addition, the monetary values for selected e-commerce variables are also published.
Results are generally weighted by the number of enterprises. Turnover/purchases weighting is used for turnover/purchases related questions. Employment weighting is used for questions on employees and self-employed persons and in addition to enterprise weighting for certain questions concerning general information about ICT systems, the use of the internet as well as for some questions relating to e-commerce.
EU aggregates are compiled when the available countries represent 60% of the population and 55% of the number of countries defining the aggregate. National data flagged confidential are not included in EU aggregates whereas national data flagged as unreliable are included when calculating the EU aggregates. Aggregates are only calculated using available data, no estimates for missing data are made (except if provided by reporting countries).
Data on ICT usage and e-commerce collected by EEA countries and Candidate countries are based on surveys. Data are collected by the NSIs based on Eurostat's annual model questionnaires.
The length of time between data availability and the event or phenomenon they describe can be considered as less than one year. The reference periods are laid down in the model questionnaires and are for some questions the current situation during the survey period (usually in the first half of the year), for other questions the previous calendar year. Data are delivered to Eurostat in the fourth quarter of the survey year and are released before the end of the same year (week 49-51) or in January of the following year.
The model questionnaire is generally used in the Member States. Occasionally, due to (small) differences in translation, in reference periods, in the used survey vehicle, in non-response treatment or different routing through the national questionnaire, some results for some countries may be of reduced comparability. In these cases, notes are added in the Variable specific notes.
See also Methodological explanation regarding implementation of the question D3 in 2022 and 2024 in the Annexes.
For some indicators very good comparability over time is achieved (e.g. internet access) since 2003 while for others it is satisfactory (e.g. e-commerce). Restricted comparability over time is also a consequence of necessary changes in definitions in order to measure the development of ICT.
See also Methodological explanation regarding implementation of the question D3 in 2022 and 2024 in the Annexes.
