Samhällsdata

Samhällsdata, a Swedish term meaning “societal data,” denotes data that describe the conditions, dynamics and structure of society. It covers demographic information, economic indicators, health and education statistics, housing, employment, mobility, infrastructure, environment and governance. Such data are produced or collected by public authorities, statistical agencies, research institutions and, in some cases, the private sector, and are used to describe trends, support policy-making, planning and public services, and to enable research and innovation.

Common sources include national statistics offices, central and local government registers, administrative records, national surveys and geospatial datasets. Data are often aggregated and anonymized to protect individuals, in accordance with privacy regulations such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation. Data quality, metadata and documentation of definitions and methods are important to ensure comparability over time and across organisations.

Governance of samhällsdata emphasizes interoperability and standardization, with attention to data quality, licensing and ethical considerations. Responsible use includes privacy protection, bias awareness and rigorous methodological practices. Legal and ethical frameworks guide how data can be collected, stored, combined and shared, balancing openness with the need to safeguard sensitive information.

Uses of samhällsdata include policy evaluation, urban and regional planning, social and economic research, public service delivery and resilience planning. Open data initiatives and portals aim to improve accessibility for researchers, policymakers and the public, though access levels and terms vary based on sensitivity and legal restrictions. In Sweden, the practice is tied to transparency, evidence-based decision-making and the advancement of public services.