Our goal is to provide accurate and reliable figures by getting the most relevant and applicable data from official sources such as National Statistics Offices, as well as European, OECD and other worldwide databases. We then adapt the data to the needs of our clients. Further data calculation, the harmonization of figures and the calculation of composite indicators, are also performed to enhance the visualisation of results and/or meet the different research requirements.
Policy relevance and International comparability
Policy relevance and international compatibility are the central guiding principles of Nordregio's statistical activities and thematic mapping. Our analysis is oriented towards the documentation and mapping of data that is relevant for decisions-makers in the field of regional development at the regional, national and international levels.
Geographic focus
The geographic focus of Nordregio's database covers all of the Nordic countries, including the autonomous regions. One can also find more general indicators for the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), EU member states, some neighboring countries (such as Russia and Switzerland) and the circumpolar Arctic. For the Nordic countries, the data and analysis varies from the municipal to national level, while it ranges from the regional (NUTS3) to national level in other countries.
Indicators
Nordregio is constantly enhancing and developing its database on spatial indicators. Our database has the most comprehensive overview of population, socio-economic situation, and regional, rural and urban structures in the Nordic region. Indicators related to a range of themes, including environment and energy, knowledge and innovation structures, and co-operation are also included. The core tasks are the systematic presentation of metadata and quality issues, and data harmonization. To ensure that the datasets are comparable between countries; considerable effort is put into time, theme and territory related issues.
- Time: We use data from the same period of time between the countries whenever possible. For example, in the demographic figures, including age structure and migration, amongst others, presented through our database and maps, data from various nations has a common date.
- Theme: We are always calculating our own indicators from the raw variables that are as similar as possible. In our efforts to ensure the greatest accuracy possible, there are cases where our figures may vary from national sources. We also use international surveys to adjust the data between the countries, such as the European labour force survey.
- Territory: The geographic unit we use is mainly based on the existing administrative or statistical divisions in a given year. We are always following the changes in administrative structures, such as municipal and regional mergers.
GIS and statistical programs
For statistical analysis, database technology, cartography and data visualization; Nordregio is working with a number of statistical and GIS (geographic information system) programs. Finally, some graphic programs are used to make the products clearer and more visually accessible for the users.