New developments in survey data collection methodology for official statistics

There is a growing demand for statistical information in society. National statistical institutes have to satisfy this demand. The way they attempt to accomplish this, changes over time. Changes in survey methodology for official statistics may have been caused by new developments, for example in computer technology. Changes may also be due to new challenges like increasing nonresponse rates, decreasing budgets, or demands for reducing the response burden. This paper describes some new developments in survey methodology that may help to solve problems of survey taking in official statistics. The R-indicator is described as an additional indicator for survey quality. Web surveys are considered as a cheaper means of data collection, either as a single-mode survey or as one of the modes in a mixed-mode survey. Also attention is paid to more flexible ways of conducting the fieldwork of a survey. The R-indicator could play a role in this.