Researchers focusing on cross-border cooperation in different sectors, frequently face a major common problem: the lack of data.
In many fields, data with a regional disaggregation is already difficult to find. The interregional dimension (exchanges or flows from one region to another) is a bigger challenge. But when it comes to interregional across national border the challenge is even greater. In these cases it is common to find statistics being produced by different national organisations according to different methodologies resulting frequently in the absence of compatible data.
What do you feel are the most needed elements of data on cross-border relations? In what fields is it much urgent?
- Login for at skrive kommentarer
Kommentarer
Thanks, dear BFP colleagues for stressing this very important issue!
As CBC grows in many European border areas, and this trend will (hopefully) remain for quite some time, there is a growing need to better measure performance and impact. But compatible data are missing in many fields and it is difficult to produce cross-border aggregated information for projects, policy-makers and even for the public.
We would promote initiatives such as Orestat (http://www.orestat.se/ ), the cross-border data initiative by Oresund (DK/SE). We would be happy with comparable quantitative data about labour market, public services, spatial planning, economic development, (sustainable) energy, waste management, etc., etc., but it would be great to have qualitative data as well, even prospective (population's expectations, availability, commitment, ... ). And the top would be authentic cross-border data: illustrating how and why people commute over the border for working, studying, shopping, doing business and leisure, for a cure, a date, or just for the fun of crossing the border.
We know there are some ongoing efforts with the national statistic agencies, please tell us more and keep us posted.
Greetings
Martin (AEBR)
- Login for at skrive kommentarer