Microcomputers in the statistical environment of developed and developing countries

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Nilsson, Björn¹

Note: [1] Björn E. Nilsson is Chief of data processing methods at Statistics Sweden. After his PhD in 1979, he was awarded a fellowship of one year duration at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Centre (New York, USA), primarily for the purpose of research in the field of office automation. Currently, he is on leave at the Swedish National Institute for Defence Organization and Management. This paper was originally written in January 1984, and was presented at the “Seminar on integrated statistical information systems and related matters (ISIS '84)” in Geneva, 16–19 April 1984. To retain the original flavour of a forecast, and also to provide a basis for judging how well the assertions have stood the test of time, the paper is presented in its original form, save editorial modifications.

Abstract: The influence of cheap and powerful microcomputers on data processing policies is currently debated in most statistical agencies. Many see the fast evolution of this new technology as a threat, some as a promise. The main effects of microcomputers on the statistical environment will be external as opposed to internal. Their impact on access to data may alter not only the production process of statistics but also the kinds of statistics we produce and, perhaps, the very concept of statistics. The use of microcomputers will probably turn out to be more profitable regarding software rather than hardware aspects, although advantageous evolution with respect to hardware remain possible through the installation of local area networks – provided that investment policies are sufficiently flexible. In developing countries, the emergence of inexpensive and reliable microcomputers has created particular hopes for statistical work. Our current experience indicates that many of these expectations may well be fulfilled.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1986-4203

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 127-143, 1986