Speedy release is extremely important to make statistics relevant to the administrative process. And, as for all other goods, statistics have a cost of production, with each stage demanding human and economic resources. The importance of statistics is acknowledged in most countries, but in practice their public funding is often under strain, especially in developing countries. So it s necessary to strive to produce high-quality statistics at minimum cost. It s also important to identify markets for the sale of statistical products.
Statistical data are a public good, just like schools, roads and hospitals.
Only with difficulty could they be financed privately, so public funding is essential. Of course, many NSOs sell key parts of the data they collect, but practically all rely essentially on the public purse. This is based on the belief that disseminating statistics is a vital part of the statistical culture, and an obligation of a service that is financed by the taxpayer. Data on firms are those most easily financed by non-public funds. Such figures allow entrepreneurs to determine their relative positions in their sectors, evaluate competition, define development strategies and they re prepared to pay for them.