Banca d'Italia expands micro data access for research
Banca d'Italia is enhancing access to its micro data for the research community, including new tools like an upgraded remote execution portal and an upcoming on-site computer lab in Rome.
Facilitating granular data analysis
Banca d'Italia actively contributes to the general well-being of Italian households and fosters a deeper understanding of their economic and financial conditions.
Through its Research Data Center, established in 2019 and headed by Islaa, the institution shares micro data gathered via service or direct reports.
This facilitates in-depth analysis of the heterogeneity among Italian households, firms, and financial intermediaries.
The Center provides a single entry point for disseminating micro data and continuously enhances methods for microeconomic aggregates.
Data sets are accessible through various tools, depending on their confidentiality level, ensuring secure yet complete access to key economic data.
These tools include public use files, remote execution, and soon, an on-site computer lab, all designed to support the research community.
Remote access and a new lab
Banca d'Italia, a pioneer in confidential micro data dissemination, launched its remote execution portal in 2008, recently upgraded for user-friendliness.
This tool allows external researchers, including those from abroad, to securely analyze granular data, such as from business services and on banks and interest rates.
It ensures full confidentiality by enabling analysis without direct access to raw data.
A dedicated on-site computer lab is also being established in Rome.
This new facility will provide external researchers direct access to Banca d'Italia's granular raw data, still without direct identifiers, further expanding research capabilities.
Expanding research frontiers
These initiatives significantly broaden the scope for microeconomic research, offering unparalleled access to granular data crucial for policy insights.
While the emphasis on confidentiality is commendable, the phased rollout means full access benefits are still some time away.
Nevertheless, Banca d'Italia's commitment sets a high standard for central bank data dissemination.