Statistics Finland is currently assessing its non‑statutory statistical production due to budget cuts. Reducing statistical production may weaken the availability of research datasets used in register‑based research within Research Services.
Ending a statistical series may mean more than discontinuing its publication. In some cases, it may lead to reduced—or entirely discontinued—data collection, quality assurance, and data harmonisation related to the production of the statistics. As a result, the selection of ready‑made datasets offered for research use may narrow, and the possibilities to produce tailored research datasets may decline. Definitions, coverage, or quality of variables may also change, potentially weakening the comparability of data over time.
Based on initial assessments, the largest impacts are expected in datasets related especially to education, crime, and judicial processes. Availability of data on business subsidies, bankruptcies, and corporate restructuring may also be reduced.
We encourage researchers to provide broad feedback so that essential data dependencies and possible alternative solutions can be taken into account when final decisions are made. The consultation round will open in the consultation service in April 2026, and decisions will be made in autumn 2026.