policymakers demonstrate

13 Developments in Data for Economic Research
Roberto Barcellan, Peter Bøegh Nielsen, Caterina
Calsamiglia, Colin Camerer, Estelle Cantillon, Bruno
Crépon, Bram De Rock, László Halpern, Arie Kapteyn,
Asim I. Khwaja, Georg Kirchsteiger, Vigdis Kvalheim,
Julia Lane, Markus Mobius, Luke Sibieta, Joseph Tracy,
Frederic Udina, Gugliemo Weber and Lisa Wright
Abstract
There has been a steep increase in empirical research in economics in the past
20–30 years. This chapter brings together several actors and stakeholders in
these developments to discuss their drivers and implications. All types of data
are considered: official data, data collected by researchers, lab experiments,
randomized control trials, and proprietary data from private and public sources.
When relevant, emphasis is placed on developments specific to Europe. The
basic message of the chapter is that there is no single type of data that is superior
to all others. We need to promote diversity of data sources for economic
research and ensure that researchers are equipped to take advantage of them.
All stakeholders – researchers, research institutions, funders, statistical agencies,
central banks, journals, data firms, and policy-makers – have a role to play
in this.
13.1 Introduction
The past 20–30 years have witnessed a steady rise in empirical research in economics.
In fact, a majority of articles published by leading journals these days
are empirical, in stark contrast with the situation 40 or 50 years ago (Hamermesh,
2013). This change in the distribution of methodologies used in economic
research was made possible by improved computing power but, more
importantly, thanks to an increase in the quantity, quality and variety of data
used in economics.
This chapter brings together several actors and stakeholders in these changes
to discuss their drivers and implications. 1 All types of data are considered.
When relevant, emphasis is placed on developments specific to Europe. Sections
13.2 and 13.3 deal with official microdata. Section 13.2 focuses on the
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