1. Business Performance group update
Since the last newsletter, most of the Business Performance group activity has centred around the release of the new series of information communication and technology (ICT)statistics. The intention is to release a further publication in October 2007 that will contain more detailed information on this area.
The team has also increased its involvement in projects to extend the use of data that is currently collected. This includes an OECD project on innovation, working with other departments on data laboratory projects, and initial discussions with various universities on possible future projects.
We always welcome input from data users, and encourage you to contact us to discuss any of the information we publish, or how our information could be better utilised.
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2. Information and communication technologies programme
Internet service providers
The six-monthly Internet Service Provider (ISP) Survey measures Internet service provision in New Zealand. The survey looks at Internet subscriber information; Internet connection technology and speed; spam, virus and content filtering; and barriers to ISP growth.
Results from the third survey, which covers the six-month period to September 2006, were published on 3 March 2007 – Internet Service Provider Survey: September 2006.
The questionnaire was revised in September 2006 to clarify some questions and remove some that were not providing useful data. We are always interested in hearing from users of the ISP data to discuss any additions or modifications to the survey that would make it more suited to users’ needs.
Work is continuing with the OECD to ensure a good alignment between our collection and the international definitions.
For further information, contact Guannan Miao (info@stats.govt.nz).
Information and communication technologies supply
The results for the second annual ICT supply survey were released on 17 April 2007 – Information and Communications Technology Supply Survey: 2005/2006. This included new data for the 2005/06 year as well as a revision for the 2004/05 data to increase comparability.
To improve the 2005/06 ICT Supply Survey, industry lists were added to the core ICT industries to provide wider coverage of ICT industries. The lists and minor changes to the questionnaire, together with updated 2004/05 respondent data, have led to revision of the ICT Supply Survey: 2004/05 data to ensure comparability with 2005/06 data.
Work has started on the ICT Supply Survey: 2006/07 which will be posted out in August 2007 and results will be released in April 2008.
For further information, contact Peter McGinty (info@stats.govt.nz).
Household use of ICT
The Household Use of ICT Survey looks at characteristics of the households and individuals that use ICT. The survey measures key indicators of household ICT uptake, such as computers and mobile phones, as well as personal use of the Internet and mobile phones by individuals within households. The survey also measures the uptake by households of Internet services; this includes the uptake of broadband and the types of broadband that households use. Another key component of the Household ICT survey is to gain an understanding of security measures households have in place when using the Internet.
The survey collection phase was completed at the beginning of January 2007. Initial results from the survey were released on 27 April 2007 – Household Use of Information and Communication Technology Survey 2006. Further information will be available later in the year as part of the ICT in New Zealand research report. The results will provide a basis for internationally comparable statistics in this area. The Household Use of ICT survey will then be conducted every two years.
For further information, contact Gareth Meech (info@stats.govt.nz).
Government use of ICT
The Government Use of ICT Survey collects information about the use of different ICTs by government organisations, and will give an indication of how new technologies are facilitating government activities. Key indicators include capital and operating expenditure on ICT, barriers to the implementation of new ICT, and the proportion of organisations using specific technologies such as the Internet or other networks.
The first Government Use of ICT Survey was posted out in August 2006, and biannually thereafter. Results from the survey were released on 24 April 2007 – Government Use of Information and Community Technology Survey 2006.
For further information, contact Guannan Miao (info@stats.govt.nz).
Business use of ICT
Data regarding New Zealand businesses’ use of ICT is being collected biennially, as one module of three within the annual Business Operations Survey (BOS).
The initial BOS results were published on 27 April 2007, and will be followed by a combined research report with more in-depth information later in 2007.
BOS will provide information to benchmark New Zealand ICT use against use in other countries. When it is combined with the new Household Use of ICT and Government Use of ICT surveys, this information will establish a clear measure of ICT use in New Zealand.
For further information, contact Hamish Hill (info@stats.govt.nz).
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3. Business operations
The Business Operations Survey (BOS) is a modular survey, developed by Statistics New Zealand to give current and accurate information on how New Zealand businesses operate, and what is important to their success. The Business Performance Newsletter – August 2005 has more information on the background to this survey.
The BOS 2006 questionnaire included modules on business use of ICT and employment practices. The first release of data was published on 27 April 2007 – Business Operations Survey: 2006. More detailed reports on business use of ICT and business practices and performance will follow later in 2007.
Development of the BOS 2007 questionnaire is almost complete. Included are modules on innovation and international engagement (exporting, importing and overseas operations). This will be posted out in August 2007, with results published from April 2008.
For further information, contact Hamish Hill (info@stats.govt.nz).
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4. Screen industry
The annual Screen Industry Survey produces information to help government and other organisations develop a better understanding of the screen industry in New Zealand. The survey is a census of all businesses operating within all aspects of the screen production, broadcasting, exhibition and distribution sectors of the economy.
The survey is sent to businesses directly involved in the production and development of screen projects, to enhance understanding of the nature of the industry, its contribution to the economy and its potential for growth.
Information received through the second collection is currently in the process of micro- and macro-editing. Initial results will be released in June 2007 and a detailed research report will follow.
For further information, contact Deborah Harkin (info@stats.govt.nz).
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5. Research and development
The Research and Development (R&D) Survey is a joint collection conducted every two years by Statistics NZ and the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (MoRST), with results from the 2006 survey expected to be released in June 2007, followed by a full research report in September.
This is a sample survey and measures the level of research and development activity, as well as employment and expenditure by private sector enterprises, government departments, and universities.
The university sector collection was posted out in January 2007 and work on analysing the data has begun. After the full research report has been published in September 2007, work will begin on examining the possibility of extending the scope of this collection to include other higher education institutions for the 2008 survey.
For further information, contact Hamish Hill (info@stats.govt.nz).
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6. Biotechnology
The Biotechnology Survey is conducted every two years and collects information on the use, production and spread of biotechnology. It measures the size of the biotechnology sector and identifies barriers to research and development so that a better understanding of this emerging industry can be gained.
Work has begun on the 2007 survey which will be posted out in August. Currently the questionnaire is being assessed to ensure it meets information needs.
For further information, contact Meighan Ragg (info@stats.govt.nz).
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7. Improved Business Understanding via Longitudinal Database Development
The IBULDD International Peer Group Review: Findings and recommendations were published on this site in January 2007. The review suggested enhancements to the analytical report looking at the overlap and congruence between tax and survey data. This was completed at the end of December 2006. In addition, the report outlining possible official statistics from IBULDD was completed and presented to the steering committee early March 2007.
Work is continuing on the best way to maximise the use of data within Statistics NZ and this project is an important part of that process.
For further information, contact Claire Powell (info@stats.govt.nz).
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8. Research projects
Statistics New Zealand, the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) and the Treasury are currently working on an OECD Innovation project. The objectives of this project are to investigate new innovation indicators and to use microdata to develop some international benchmarks. There is an interim report on this project due in June with the final report due in December 2007.
The other joint agency project that is currently being worked on is looking at government assistance to business and the impact that has. This project uses the IBULDD work as part of its data source. The agencies involved are MED; MoRST; New Zealand Trade and Enterprise; Te Puni Kōkiri; the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology; the Department of Labour; and the Ministry of Social Development. Data for this project is still being collated and the initial report is likely to be available later this year.
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9. Who’s who in Business Performance
Eileen Basher, Manager
Gareth Meech, ICT Project Leader
Hamish Hill, Science and Technology Project Leader
Peter McGinty, ICT Supply Project Leader
Guannan Miao, Internet Service Providers and Government Use of ICT Project Leader
Meighan Ragg, Biotechnology Project Leader and Questionnaire Design
Deborah Harkin, Screen Industry Project Leader
Daniel Martin, R&D Statistical Analyst
Carmel Tuya, ICT Supply Statistical Analyst
Julia Gretton, Business Operations Statistical Analyst
Carolina Escola, Screen Industry Statistical Analyst
Catherine Li, Statistical Analyst
Steve Riley, Household Use of ICT Questionnaire Design
Claire Powell, IBULDD Project Manager
Stuart Black, IBULDD Statistical Analyst
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