1. Eurostat Statistical challenges in collecting e-commerce data What do we know, What would we like to know, and What is difficult Carsten OLSSON Eurostat Innovation and Information Society, Unit G4 ONS8 October 2015

2. Eurostat Background E-Commerce Growth Employment Changing society Policy interest 10 Top Priorities of European Commission (2015) 1)Jobs, Growth and Investment, and 2)Digital Single Market … Digital Single Market (DSM) Communication of 6 May 2015 Launch of Commission Consultations during autumn 2015

3. Eurostat E-Commerce – simple model Enablers Access to internet Trust/legal framework Linking sellers and buyers, … Enablers Access to internet Trust/legal framework Linking sellers and buyers, … Barriers Technical, costs, legal, cultural, … Barriers Technical, costs, legal, cultural, … Outcomes Trade, growth, employment, … Outcomes Trade, growth, employment, …

4. Eurostat Outcomes

5. Eurostat E-Commerce as % of total turnover EU-28 (10+, 2014 * ) Total 100% eCommerce 15% Traditional 85% e-Commerce 100% EDI-type 68% Web-site 32% B2B/G 19% B2C 12% *) data refer to survey year 2014 with reference year 2013 Further breakdown of e-Commerce

6. Eurostat E-Commerce as % of total turnover

7. Eurostat Challenges measuring Turnover from e-Commerce Business accounting standards Accounting Standards define terms/reporting requirements turnover, investment, fixed assets, purchase price, production cost, number of employees, etc. No split between Commerce and e-Commerce No split between B2B, B2G, B2C B2B/G dominated by exchange format (electronic) standards B2C direct or via intermediaries New business models [Goods and services,] content providers, platforms, intermediaries, sharing economy, other…

8. Eurostat Barriers

9. Eurostat Barriers for selling on internet

10. Eurostat Policy initiatives Digital Agenda Digital Single Market (DSM) Better online access to digital goods and services An environment where digital networks and services can prosper Digital as a driver for growth DSM Communication (6 May 2015) Fragmented market Evidence from: Research, studies, surveys, and Official Statistics

11. Eurostat EU Public consultations on… Regulatory environment for platforms, online intermediaries, data and cloud computing and the collaborative economy Modernising VAT for cross-border e-commerce Geo-blocking and other geographically-based restrictions when shopping and accessing information in the EU Standards in the Digital Single Market: setting priorities and ensuring delivery

12. Eurostat Details matter

13. Eurostat What are consumers purchasing?

14. Eurostat What are consumers purchasing?

15. Eurostat Individuals (%) ordering goods or services over the Internet in the last 12 months

16. Eurostat Where do households purchase (2)

17. Eurostat Challenges

18. Eurostat Challenges New business models – rapidly changing phenomenon Hence, policy needs amended rapidly Beyond standard business accounting Economic, technical, legal issues (and perception) Households Technical issues, long/detailed questions, (memory)

19. Eurostat Talking the same language (are data comparable)? Definitions and methodology agreed by experts from 28 EU Member States Working Group and Task Force meetings Exchange of best practices Common model questionnaires Monitoring Quality reporting Compliance

20. Eurostat What can you do? Traditional survey Ensure high response rate Alternative sources Big Data Administrative data …. What is relevant Thank you!