Distributed access to linked microdata: the example of ICT and exports

This article describes the novelty of how the relationship between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage in firms and exports behaviour has been analysed across countries by the use of the distributed microdata approach (DMD). This approach opens a window for research access to multiple sets of official firm-level data over national borders and in dimensions not earlier available. The process starts by an extensive metadata analysis, where microdata from different sources (in this case, business registers, production, trade, education and ICT statistics) are harmonized to ensure comparability over time and across countries. An identical code is then run on each national data set, linking and aggregating information and analytical results to a level where disclosure issues disappear. Subsequently, the aggregated data are pooled into a cross-country data set. This data set is called the Micro Moments Database and is available for research purposes at the Eurostat safe centre. Initial results show that there is a relationship between the decision to export and the ICT usage of firms. However, what kind of ICT is most beneficial for the firms seems to vary across countries, possibly connected to the general level of ICT intensity.