A census is a census The changing role

A census is a census ? The changing role of population censuses CES Seminar: Challenges for future population and housing censuses based on lessons learned from the last census round

What is a census? n A specific operation? n A set of requirements as expressed in the essential features? – – – Individual enumeration Simultaneity Universality within a defined territory Availability of small-area data Defined periodicity CES Seminar: Challenges for future population and housing censuses based on lessons learned from the last census round

Where should we be heading ? 1) Focus on coverage n Essential features: individual enumeration, simultaneity, universality within a defined territory n Good coverage of national and regional population is the key objective of censuses Address cross-border coverage Assess and maintain coverage of frames also during intercensual periods CES Seminar: Challenges for future population and housing censuses based on lessons learned from the last census round

Where should we be heading ? 2) Make the geo-referencing of population data precise n Essential feature: availability of small-area data n Providing information on small regional entities is a core aim of censuses n But: Causes of socio-economic and environmental phenomena do not follow delineations of administrative areas Precise geo-referencing of addresses CES Seminar: Challenges for future population and housing censuses based on lessons learned from the last census round

Where should we be heading ? 3) Step up the integration of censuses into social statistics and enhance continuity of census work For social statistics based on sample surveys: maintain good-quality population frames For social statistics based on administrative data sources: enhance continuity of quality evaluation of administrative data sources and linkage of data sources For all social statistics: harmonise specifications and breakdowns for census topics + x Census as primus inter pares CES Seminar: Challenges for future population and housing censuses based on lessons learned from the last census round

Where should we be heading ? 4) Make comparative quality assessments of multi-source/multi mode processes and outputs n The starting point is settled: – The established quality frameworks for official statistics – The essential features of population censuses n Challenges: – Make quality criteria operational – Evaluate output and processes CES Seminar: Challenges for future population and housing censuses based on lessons learned from the last census round

Where should we be heading ? 5) Use and develop common tools n Standardisation to foster synergies and efficiency gains n Example: EU Census Hub (SDMX based) n Shared software developments (e. g. validation, dissemination) CES Seminar: Challenges for future population and housing censuses based on lessons learned from the last census round

A census is a census is … a lot of work Thank you ! CES Seminar: Challenges for future population and housing censuses based on lessons learned from the last census round