Development of statistical methodology is a significant component of the Statistical Programme of Work . It has four aspects. First, statistical policies are being developed to guide the acquisition and dissemination of data by directorates. The aim is to ensure coordination across the Organisation and to reduce the burden on data providers, whilst satisfying the needs of internal and external users.

Second, in conjunction with other international agencies, statistical standards, guidelines, and best practices are being developed. Recent examples cover Euro conversions, formation of Euro aggregates, and development indicators. With the aim of internal and international harmonisation, a statistical glossary is being constructed, containing over 3000 definitions.

Third, explanatory metadata are collected and published to accompany all the data disseminated in the Directorate. Their objective is to enable users to assess the data quality, i.e., fitness for use. Based on these metadata, the comparabilities across countries of selected data items - an important aspect of data quality - are examined and published.

Fourth, statistical research is being undertaken in selected areas, including business confidence and leading indicators, capital stock estimates, non-observed economy measurement, aggregation procedures and index numbers, productivity measurement and capital services, purchasing power parities, and statistical information systems. The results are published in manuals and working papers.

This Web site at: www.oecd.org/std/research