Accuracy and reliability

Overall accuracy

As the survey is based on a sample, uncertainty is attached to all the figures in the form of random variation. This applies, in particular, to the results broken down according to the most detailed industry, region and size figures, where the figures should only be regarded as normative.

From 2009 and onwards a rolling panel is used for the sample in order to decrease the uncertainty. From 2009 and onwards the statistics is first published as preliminary data, in order to be able to use the data from the subsequent survey in a possible correction. When the preliminary data are published, the previous year’s data are published as final data. As part of the general quality control, a quality handbook has been published for the statistics on R&D and innovation. See [Danmarks Statistik[(https://www.dst.dk/pukora/epub/upload/17627/fuierhverv.pdf)

Sampling error

The calculated coefficients of variation (CV) for key indicators in 2013 (preliminary data): - Share of enterprises with innovation: 1,8 - Innovation expenses, running costs (excl. R&D): 3,9

For 2012: - Share of enterprises with innovation: 1.9 - Innovation expenses, other running costs (excl. R&D): 6.6

For 2014: - Share of enterprises with innovation: 1.9 - Innovation expenses, other running costs (excl. R&D): 4.2

For 2015: - Share of enterprises with innovation: 1.8 - Innovation expenses, other running costs (excl. R&D): 7.5

For 2016: - Share of enterprises with innovation: 2.0 - Innovation expenses, other running costs (excl. R&D): 2.5

For 2020 Being processed

The relatively high CV for innovation expenses are due to the fact that few enterprises have these types of expenses, which means that a large share of the enterprises in the survey will have expenses of 0 DKK, whereas very few enterprises have considerable expenses. Thereby the dispersion of the material will be substantial, and the CV high. Nearly half of the enterprises in the survey have been innovative in one form or another, which is reflected in a relatively low CV.

Non-sampling error

Non-response is one of the sources of uncertainty, together with lack of coverage, e.g. when enterprises with high influence on the statistics are not included in the sample, e.g. as a result of changes in the basic registers.

Quality management

Statistics Denmark follows the recommendations on organisation and management of quality given in the Code of Practice for European Statistics (CoP) and the implementation guidelines given in the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (QAF). A Working Group on Quality and a central quality assurance function have been established to continuously carry through control of products and processes.

Quality assurance

Statistics Denmark follows the principles in the Code of Practice for European Statistics (CoP) and uses the Quality Assurance Framework of the European Statistical System (QAF) for the implementation of the principles. This involves continuous decentralized and central control of products and processes based on documentation following international standards. The central quality assurance function reports to the Working Group on Quality. Reports include suggestions for improvement that are assessed, decided and subsequently implemented.

Quality assessment

Under preparation.

Data revision - policy

Statistics Denmark revises published figures in accordance with the Revision Policy for Statistics Denmark. The common procedures and principles of the Revision Policy are for some statistics supplemented by a specific revision practice.

Data revision practice

The 2016 statistics are published as preliminary data in March 2018.