CBS focuses on the challenges that we face as a society in 2026

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, a busy street in the city centre
© Hollandse Hoogte / Sabine Joosten
One of the tasks of Statistics Netherlands (CBS) is to look at the major challenges that we face as a society. As such, every year we focus on a number of areas in which it is important that the facts are as clear as possible. In 2026, our focus areas are: economic productivity; safety and security; and maximising the power of regional data.
In a society that is constantly changing, facts are essential. Because only facts can provide a firm foundation and enable us to take decisions based on what is actually happening, rather than simply on what we assume or feel is happening. This is what Statistics Netherlands is all about – harnessing the power of facts and data, so that policymakers can take informed decisions. Statistics Netherlands plays a crucial role in our society by collecting data and then making our information available to the whole of our society.

The work of Statistics Netherlands is more important than ever. As a society, we face increasingly complex challenges and there are differences between the local, regional and national levels. Whether in housing, safety and security, or economic development, good decisions require reliable and objective insights. Statistics Netherlands collects data and publishes its insights not simply for its own sake, but for the benefit of the Netherlands – and in partnership with the people of the Netherlands. The themes we have chosen reflect our 2024–2028 multi-year programme, and are described in detail in the CBS Annual Plan for 2026.

Focus areas for 2026

In 2026, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) will be focusing on three themes: economic productivity; safety, security and criminal subversion; and maximising the power of regional data. Information on these themes will be produced to meet the needs of key users in the Netherlands, such as municipalities. The ultimate goal is to use this information to tackle societal challenges together.

Productivity

Improvements in productivity are an important driver of economic development. In recent years, however, economic growth has been lacklustre – not only in the Netherlands but in other countries too. Factors such as the ageing population and the tight labour market are making it more difficult to achieve economic growth, and this is exactly why we need to understand the underlying factors. In 2026, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) will work on an overview publication on productivity that will address a range of related indicators – innovation, market concentration and business dynamics. This knowledge will help us to identify the opportunities and problem areas in the Dutch economy.

Safety, security and criminal subversion

Safety and security are about more than just crime statistics. Just as important are people’s feelings and perceptions of the place where they live. In 2026, Statistics Netherlands will begin working on several new studies to provide a clearer picture of safety and security.

For example, we will look at the gap between recorded crime and people’s perceptions of safety. This will involve combining data from surveys of individual citizens with information from existing records in order to create a more comprehensive and more nuanced picture of safety and security in the Netherlands.

We will also look at how resilient companies would be if their supply of raw materials were cut off. The focus will be on sectors that cater to people’s day-to-day needs and the extent to which they are dependent on a small number of trading partners or suppliers. In 2026, we will focus on companies in the semiconductor sector, and others.

Finally, Statistics Netherlands will work on creating a comprehensive and integrated overview of security that brings together national and international indicators. This will provide a coherent view of the factors that could impact our country’s security.

Maximising the power of regional data

Many of the challenges we face are located at the regional and local levels. With the Regional Programme 2026–2027, Statistics Netherlands is fully committed to maximising the power of regional data in the Netherlands.

Working closely with municipalities, provinces and umbrella organisations, we will build on and develop regional statistics that have a direct bearing on important societal issues, such as housing, people’s sense of economic security, the economy, safety and security, and sustainable and inclusive well-being. In 2026, our focus areas will include regional data on housing, relocations, house prices, as well as regional economic data, such as productivity. Statistics on safety and security and poverty will also be expanded further for all municipalities.

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