The VATT (Institute for Economic Research) Data Room is a unit serving the data needs of different ministries and the Finnish Government. Its task is to produce up-to-date reports based on register data to support decision-making. Launched as a pilot in 2023, the VATT Data Room is internationally unique, and its operations have since been made permanent.
The VATT Data Room operates in close cooperation with:
- Statistics Finland, which compiles and delivers register data and is responsible for data protection and information security
- Helsinki GSE, which provides research expertise and methodological support
- Researchers from VATT and other research institutes and universities, who participate in assignments
The shared objective of all actors is to enhance evidence-based decision-making through data analysis. The activities are supported by an interministerial steering group.
Statistics Finland integrates register data from different administrative sectors for research and reporting purposes that support decision-making. In cooperation with the VATT Data Room, new ready-made datasets are continuously developed. To ensure smooth operations, Statistics Finland maintains and develops the process for updating data as well as the remote access infrastructure.
The VATT Data Room produces analyses and reports, for example, for legislative drafting and the budget process, based on assignments from ministries and committees of Parliament.