In today’s complex data environment—marked by tight budgets, rising demand, and increasing competition from alternative data sources—the question is no longer just how well official statistics are produced, but how they are perceived and valued by those who use them.

This session shifts the focus to the users: policymakers, researchers, journalists, businesses, civil society, and everyday citizens. What do they expect from official statistics? What do they understand as “value”? And how do these perceptions influence trust, relevance, and ultimately, use?

Through both conceptual reflections and concrete examples from national and international contexts, the session will explore how statistical organizations are engaging with users to understand their needs, gauge societal impact, and reframe their role as providers of a public good. The discussion will also address the limitations of traditional usage and engagement metrics, and what alternative approaches might better capture user-centered value.

Key questions to be explored include:

• How do different user groups define the value of official statistics in their own contexts?

• What methods are being used to capture and understand user experiences and expectations?

• How can statistical organizations enhance their visibility, relevance, and impact by aligning more closely with user perceptions?

• What new responsibilities arise when statistics are seen not just as products, but as essential public infrastructure?

By grounding the discussion in user perspectives, this session aims to contribute to a more inclusive and responsive vision for the future of official statistics