The 21st century has begun with the massive conversion to digital data and the explosive growth of Big Data around the globe, which in turn stimulates an insatiable demand for ever more timely and comprehensive response to information needs. Since conventional approaches to censuses and surveys are static and cross-sectional, they will not be able to meet these expanding dynamic requirements without fundamental changes.
In the 21st century the defining characteristics of statistical systems and methods will be the sophisticated application of massive longitudinal data, integration of multiple data sources, and rapid and simple delivery of results, while still strictly protecting confidentiality and data security and assuring accuracy and reliability.