TiSSTAT is an integrated information system designed for conducting enterprise or establishment surveys focused on trade in services statistics.
Developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), TiSSTAT assists countries in compiling and analyzing trade in services, aiming to fill data gaps that hinder evidence-based trade policies and integration into the global services market.
This system includes three key components:
- A questionnaire for surveys on international trade in services.
- A multi-user application for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing responses.
- Methodological options that complement the questionnaire and collection methods.
TiSSTAT functions as a comprehensive package that can be installed on the servers of national authorities, such as statistical offices or central banks. It is aligned with the Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services 2010 (MSITS 2010) and its Compilers Guide (MSITS-CG).
Focusing on enterprise or establishment surveys as its primary data source, TiSSTAT offers practical guidance for institutions looking to establish or improve their survey frameworks.
The system is designed for ownership by a local statistical authority, referred to as the "survey institution," while individuals accessing it are called "users."
TiSSTAT features electronic questionnaires designed for collecting trade in services statistics. According to the Manual on International Trade in Services Statistics (MSITS-CG), these questionnaires enhance accuracy and timeliness while reducing costs and reporting burdens. However, developing such systems can be challenging for many survey institutions.
TiSSTAT allows access to this technology for institutions that lack resources to create it independently, representing international collaboration to develop a standardized solution. The system will evolve based on user feedback and advancements in practices for compiling trade in services statistics. While currently ready for use, it can adjust to new needs and data environments.
The application includes a detailed user manual, available in French, which outlines its functionalities. This paper offers a conceptual overview, enabling institutions to assess its suitability. While the user manual is updated regularly, the principles in this paper remain stable.
This document describes version 1.4.3 of TiSSTAT, released in November 2024. Future updates may result in changes to screenshots and details, but the core principles will remain.
Structure of the Technical Paper
- Chapter II emphasizes the significance of trade in services statistics and the role of enterprise and establishment surveys.
- Chapter III provides context for using TiSSTAT's tools, which are most effective in a well-established statistical environment.
- Chapters IV to VI cover the main components of TiSSTAT. Chapter IV details the questionnaire design developed by UNCTAD, while Chapter V discusses the multi-user application features.
- Chapter VI outlines the methods implemented in version 1.4.3.