Banca d'Italia enhances microdata access for research community
Banca d'Italia is expanding access to its microdata for the research community, offering tools like a remote execution portal and preparing an on-site computer lab in Rome. These initiatives aim to facilitate in-depth analysis of Italian households, firms, and financial intermediaries.
Pioneering secure data access
Banca d'Italia has long been a pioneer in confidential microdata dissemination, having launched its remote execution portal as early as 2008.
This tool, recently upgraded for a more user-friendly experience, allows external researchers, including those from abroad, to securely analyze granular data.
This includes sensitive information on business services, banks, and interest rates, all without direct access to the raw data, thereby ensuring full confidentiality.
The system is part of a broader strategy to provide secure yet complete access to key economic data, utilizing various tools depending on the confidentiality level of the databases.
This commitment underscores the institution's dedication to supporting in-depth analysis of Italian economic agents.
Expanding research infrastructure
To further assist researchers from other institutions and partner universities, Banca d'Italia is establishing a dedicated computer lab in Rome.
This new facility will offer external researchers direct access to the bank's granular raw data, still without direct identifiers, ensuring privacy.
These efforts are spearheaded by the research data center, established in 2019, which serves as a single entry point for microdata dissemination.
The center continuously enhances methods for distributing microeconomic aggregates, believing these initiatives offer valuable insights to all users, whatever their research needs.
A model for data transparency
Banca d'Italia's proactive approach to microdata dissemination sets a high standard for central bank transparency and research support.
By investing in secure access tools and dedicated facilities, it directly fosters deeper, evidence-based economic analysis.
This commitment is crucial for understanding complex economic dynamics and informing policy decisions effectively.
Source: New releases of Working Papers - 17 March 2026
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