Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

2026/01/05

Statistical Presentation

Data description

The Survey of Access and Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by Establishments presents up-to-date data on the key statistics and indicators of the level of access to and use of ICT by establishments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This survey is conducted to collect data on the main characteristics related to establishments’ access to and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), as follows:
•    The availability of information and communication technology (ICT) devices in establishments.
•    The extent of ICT usage in establishments.
•    Understanding the areas of ICT application in establishments.
The data is also used to estimate the most important variables used in this survey, which are as follows:
•    Key activities performed by establishments through their internet usage .
•    Extent of use of e-government services by establishments.

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments.
The National Classification for Economic Activities (ISIC4):
The statistical classification based on the International Standard of Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC4) is used to describe the productive activities of an establishment. 
Metadata is collected through interviews, so that outputs can be produces in accordance with all relevant classifications.
Classifications are available on the GASTAT website:  www.stats.gov.sa

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terms and concepts for the Survey of ICT Access and Usage in Establishments:
•    Information and Communication Technology (ICT):
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is defined as a set of technologies resulting from the convergence of computing and advanced multimedia and communication technologies, which has enabled the emergence of more effective means of communication by improving the processing, storage, dissemination, and exchange of information.
According to the agreement established by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Information and Communication Technology (ICT) includes the following economic sectors: 
-    ICT-producing sectors (manufacturing of computers, televisions, radios, telephones,  etc.). 
-    ICT distribution sectors (such as wholesale trade of computer equipment, etc.). 
-    ICT services sectors (telecommunications, computer services, and audiovisual services,  etc.).
•    Computer:
Types of computers include: desktop computers, laptops, and tablet computers. This does not include equipment with embedded computing capabilities such as smart televisions, or devices primarily designed for telephony, such as smartphones.
•    Mobile phone:
The mobile phone uses cellular technology that provides access to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). This includes both analog and digital cellular systems and technologies, such as the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) systems, 3G, 4G, and advanced mobile systems. 
•    Fixed-line telephone:
A fixed telephone line refers to a telephone line that connects the user’s terminal equipment, such as a telephone or fax machine, to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which has a dedicated port on the telephone exchange.
•    Internet:
The Internet is a vast computer network composed of smaller interconnected networks, allowing anyone connected to it to browse and access all available information (if permitted). It serves as a means of communication and information exchange among individuals and institutions. Internet access can be achieved through several methods, including dial-up connections, broadband, digital lines, and email.
•    Social media platforms:
They are a group of websites available on the Internet whose main objective is to build communication among individuals or establishments across different parts of the world. Most social media platforms provide services such as text-based communication with other users, as well as voice and video. These platforms include Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc.
•    E-government services:
It is a system adopted by government entities that uses the World Wide Web to interconnect their agencies, link their various services with private institutions and the public at large, and make information accessible to individuals and establishments to create a transparent relationship characterized by speed and accuracy, and enhance the quality of performance.
•    Online buying and selling:
It refers to the presence of an online store, website, or page affiliated with the establishment through which it offers its products to customers, or when the establishment relies on an online store or website that enables it to purchase the displayed products easily through computers or smart mobile phones. Such platforms often provide a wide range of products at competitive prices.
•    Cloud computing:
It is a model that enables convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (such as networks, servers, storage, applications, and software services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or human interaction with the service provider. 
•    Internet of Things (IoT):
It is a network of objects that contain embedded technology enabling them to connect to the Internet. It also refers to the connectivity that occurs among these objects, devices, and other Internet-enabled systems. These objects may be machines or components.

Data sources

The Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments is the main source for obtaining data on the level of access to and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by establishments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data are collected from a sample of establishments, with the sample size estimated at 47,893 establishments.

Designing the data collection tool

An electronic form was designed in Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) format to ensure ease of use by field researchers and in Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) format to enable communication with targeted respondents by phone. Data were collected using a questionnaire prepared and designed by specialists in digital economy statistics at the General Authority for Statistics. International recommendations, standards, and definitions were taken into account during its design. The questionnaire was also presented to relevant entities to obtain their views and feedback. The questions were formulated in a specific scientific manner to standardize the way questions are administered by researchers.
The questionnaire includes several sections, including:
•    Identification data of the establishment.
•    General information on the establishment’s use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). 
•    Information on the establishment’s use of the Internet.
•    Information on cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence.
•    Information related to the management and protection of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
•    Additional information on Information and Communication Technology (ICT).    
Method of calculating the indicators:
•    Percentage of establishments with Internet access out of the total responding establishments, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments that have an email account for business purposes out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments using social media platforms out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments that completed government forms electronically out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments using e-government services out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments using the Internet to purchase/order goods and services out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments using the Internet for customer services out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments using the Internet to track goods and services out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments using the Internet to track goods and services out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments using mobile phones for conducting their activities out of the total establishments, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments using computers out of the total establishments, by type, economic activity, and size.
•    Percentage of establishments that trained employees on computer programs and applications out of total computer users, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments that use a local area network (LAN) out of total computer users, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments that use an internal network (intranet) out of total computer users, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments that use an extranet out of total computer users, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments using the Internet of Things (IoT) for the purpose of managing energy consumption out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments using the Internet of Things (IoT) for building security purposes out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments using the Internet of Things (IoT) for maintenance purposes out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments using the Internet of Things (IoT) for customer service purposes out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
•    Percentage of establishments using artificial intelligence technologies out of the total establishments using the Internet, by economic activity.
Review and Correction Rules:
 Audit and control rules have been established in the form to ensure that the data collected is consistent, accurate, and logical. These rules were designed by establishing logical relationships between responses, questions, and different variables to help the field researcher detect any errors directly during data entry.
To ensure the quality of data from the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments, four types of review and correction rules were established, as follows:
•    Automated adjustment rules:
These rules were established for the automatic calculation of certain fields or the automatic adjustment of responses in specific fields to ensure consistency within the questionnaire, totaling five rules.
•    Navigation rules between sections and fields:
Special rules were programmed to regulate automatic navigation between sections and fields based on the respondent’s answers, totaling 38 rules.
•    Error rules:
These are rules that cannot be bypassed during the data entry process. The field researcher must correct the data by referring back to the respondent to verify its accuracy. The total number of these rules exceeds 180.
•    Alert rules (warnings):
These rules are designed to verify the correctness of the data entered by the researcher. The field researcher may override them if the data accuracy is confirmed, with a total of approximately 21 rules.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

The outputs of the cognitive testing conducted in 2022 were utilized for the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments. The interview sample was drawn from a random sample of establishments, and cognitive testing was applied to a number of questionnaire items based on the pillars of cognitive testing. Several observations were identified in relation to the following aspects: the overall concept of the question, clarity of question wording, clarity of the terms used in the question, and the appropriateness of the response options. This process continued until a report was produced providing a comprehensive summary of the cognitive testing results.

Statistical population

The statistical population of the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments consists of all establishments engaged in economic activities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within the Business Frame 2023, which represents the list containing all units of the target population for this survey and for other economic surveys conducted by the General Authority for Statistics. The frame includes the classification of all establishments by economic activity at multiple levels, establishment size, administrative regions, and other basic data used in building various economic samples. The sampling frame represents a list of all establishments that meet the survey conditions as identified by the owning department.

Sample Design

The sample was designed with a two-stage stratified cluster systematic random sampling method, in which in the first stage a random sample was selected from the primary sampling units (counting areas) for each stratum of the adopted sampling design.
Stratification:

To increase the efficiency of the sample and improve its representation of the target population, establishments in the sampling frame were classified into homogeneous strata. In order to obtain more accurate results compared to a simple random sample of the same size, and to provide a sufficient number of establishments at publishable levels, the stratification was applied across three levels as follows: 
•    Stratification at the fourth-level classification of economic activity (ISIC4).
•    Stratification at the level of administrative regions.
•    Stratification by establishment size categories, which are:
-    Micro enterprises:
Establishments with 1 to 5 employees.

-    Small enterprises:
Establishments with 6 to 49 employees.
-    Medium enterprises:
Establishments with 50 to 249 employees.
-    Large enterprises:
Establishments with more than 249 employees.
Size of sample:

The sample size was calculated at the level of each stratum h, representing the field of study (economic activity at the first level — section — of the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities, ISIC4).
Subsequently, the resulting sample size calculated for each study domain (ISIC-1) was distributed across establishment size classes, and then across administrative regions using the Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) allocation method. This allocation method reduces the variance of sampling weights, thereby reducing the variance of estimates and increasing the efficiency of the sample design. In addition, the sample size at the study domain level (ISIC-1) was adjusted to ensure a minimum acceptable number of establishments in order to obtain a sufficient response size for publishing accurate estimates at the dissemination level (ISIC-1) of economic activity according to ISIC Rev.4. Furthermore, all medium and large establishments were included in the sample with a 100% selection probability due to their importance.
Accordingly, the above-mentioned calculations resulted in a total sample size of (47,893) establishments.

Statistical unit (sampling unit)

The statistical unit in the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments is the establishment.

Data collection

Data collection from the survey:
Data for the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments were collected through Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) or Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI).
The data is stored in GASTAT's databases after undergoing auditing and review processes following approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. If errors or discrepancies are detected, the data is cross-referenced with the data source for correction or clarification.

Data collection frequency 

Data collection for the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments is carried out on an annual basis.

Reference area

The Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments covers the 13 administrative regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Reference period (time reference)

The reference period for the variables or dataset is as follows:
•    The reference period for the variables or dataset refers to the year preceding the implementation of the survey.

Base period

Not applicable. 

Measurement unit

All results are calculated as percentages.

Time coverage

The data is available from the year 2023 to 2024. 

Publication frequency

Results of the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments are published on an annual basis in accordance with the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

Accurate procedures are implemented to detect errors in the data collected during the field survey and stored in the data lake. This is achieved through automating the data collection tool and applying the necessary constraints and procedures to control and manage the entered data, ensuring quality, accuracy, and consistency, in addition to using supporting methods to measure quality indicators. These procedures include:
This phase includes: 
•    Detecting outliers:

Accurate procedures are implemented to detect errors in the data collected during the field survey and stored in the data lake. This is achieved through automating the data collection tool and applying the necessary constraints and procedures to control and manage the entered data, ensuring quality, accuracy, and consistency, in addition to using supporting methods to measure quality indicators. These procedures include:
This phase includes: 
•    Detecting outliers:
These are values that differ significantly from the general pattern of the data, often due to input or response error. 
•    Detect missing or empty values:
Check whether they are required or optional. 

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

Not applicable, as the product relies on a single primary data source only.

Imputation and calibration

Weighting:
The basic sample weights are calculated based on the strata used in its design and distribution, where the selection probability of establishment i from stratum h is, and thus the weight of the establishment selected in the sample is as follows: 

Non-response weight adjustment:
Weight adjustment to compensate for non-response or missing data is applied to ensure proper sample representation. This adjustment is carried out after data collection and processing, once response statuses are identified, according to the following equation: 

 represents the non-response adjusted weight in stratum (or adjustment class) h. The adjustment (correction) factor for each stratum (or adjustment class),  , is calculated as follows:

 Where R represents the responses and NR represents the non-responses .

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, only final results will be published.

Adjustment of preliminary results 

The initially calculated statistical outputs were reviewed and updated after the completion of processing, with the aim of correcting identified errors or improving accuracy based on internal reviews.

Used Resources

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion that indicates how well the product meets users’ needs.

User needs 

Internal users in the General Authority for Statistics of data of the Survey of ICT Access and Usage in Establishments:
•    International Indicators Department.
•    Partnerships and Customer Support Department.
There are external users who significantly benefit from the survey data, most notably: 
•    Government entities.
•    Regional and international organizations.
•    Research institutions.
•    Media.
•    Individuals.
The key variables most utilized by external users:

Completeness 

Data from the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments are based on a representative sample of economic establishments across various sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, providing comprehensive information on indicators of ICT access and use by establishments. The data are complete.

Accuracy and reliability 

A standard that measures how close the calculations or estimates are to the exact or true values that reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

•    Data quality was enhanced by selecting researchers based on a set of practical and objective criteria related to the nature of the work and by qualifying and training them accordingly.
•    Alert, prevention, and correction rules are applied during the data collection process on the electronic questionnaire for the Disability Survey to improve data quality.
•    The data are examined against data from previous years to identify any significant changes in the updated data.
•    The internal consistency of the data is checked before it is finalized.
•    The links between variables are checked, and coherence between different data series is confirmed.

Timeliness and punctuality 

A standard that measures the time gap between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
However, timeliness reflects the time difference between the date of data publication and the target date when it is actually published.

Timeliness 

GASTAT uses the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) issued by the International Monetary Fund. According to this standard, all statistics agencies are required to publish data on an annual basis, with a delay of not more than half a year (180 days) after the end of the reference period. If the data are from different source, they may be published in a different frequency.

Punctuality 

The reference period for the variables or dataset refers to the year preceding the implementation of the survey.
The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical release calendar, If the publication is delayed, reasons shall be provided.

Coherence and comparability

A standard that refers to the necessity of internal and temporal consistency of statistics, their logical coherence, and their comparability and integration across different regions and sources.

Comparability - geographical

The statistical data related to the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments are fully geographically comparable across administrative regions and business regions within the Kingdom, as well as at the regional and international levels.

Comparability - over time 

The survey began in 2023 as an annual survey and is comparable over time. 

Coherence- Cross domain

Not applicable, as there is no overlap between the indicators of GASTAT surveys and the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable, as the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments is conducted on an annual basis only.

Coherence- National Accounts 

Not applicable, as the indicators of this survey are not directly linked to national accounts or their inputs.

Coherence- Internal 

The estimates of the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments 2024 exhibit full internal consistency, as they are all based on the same accurate dataset and are calculated using the same estimation methods.

Accessibility and clarity

The ability for users to access data, the availability of accurate or complete data, and the availability of a methodology and quality report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 10.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link: 
Press release

Publications

GASTAT issues publications and reports on the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments regularly in accordance with a pre-approved dissemination plan and publishes them on its website.  GASTAT is keen to disseminate its results in a manner that serves all types of users, including publications in various formats containing dissemination tables, charts for data and indicators, the Methodology and Quality Report, and the questionnaires used, in both Arabic and English.
The results of the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments are available at:
Access and Use of ICT by Establishments

Online database

The data is published on the statistical database:
GASTAT (stats.gov.sa)

Microdata accessibility

Accurate data is unit-level disaggregated data obtained from multiple sources such as sample statistical surveys, general population and housing censuses, and administrative systems, providing detailed information about the characteristics of individuals, families, business entities, and geographical areas, supporting the construction and development of statistical indicators and scientific research.
Different types of microdata files to meet diverse information needs:
•    Public use: 
It consists of sets of records containing information on individuals, households, or business entities anonymized in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc. or indirectly by combining different – especially rare – characteristics of respondents such as age, occupation, education, etc.
•    Scientific use:
These files are created based on specific methodologies upon the request of data users to extract datasets with defined characteristics for use in strategic studies, decision-making, and scientific research purposes for individuals, households, and companies, while ensuring that they do not contain any direct identifiers and are subject to confidentiality protection controls.
Qualified users who meet the standards and procedures of confidentiality protection can access the files of scientific use of accurate data through the platform "ITAHA" of the General Authority for Statistics, while the most sensitive data for use is shared by visiting the accurate data laboratory within a secure environment managed by the Authority.

References and standards

The methodological reference adopted for implementing this survey is the UNCTAD Manual for the Production of Statistics on the Digital Economy, issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), which guides the development of measurement tools and the production of indicators in accordance with international best practices in the field of digital economy statistics.  
  UNCTAD Manual for the Production of Statistics on the Digital Economy

Quality assurance

GASTAT declares that it considers the following principles: Impartiality, ensuring that the statistical product is user-oriented, maintaining the quality of processes and outputs, enhancing the effectiveness of statistical operations, and reducing the burden on respondents. 
Data is validated through procedures and quality controls that are applied during the process at various stages, such as data entry, data collection, and other final controls.

Quality assessment

GASTAT performs all statistical activities according to a national model (Generic Statistical Business Process Model—GSBPM). According to the GSBPM, the final phase of statistical activities is overall evaluation using information gathered in each phase or sub-process. This information is used to prepare the evaluation report, which outlines all the quality issues related to the specific statistical activity and serves as input for improvement actions.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality – Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data of SMEs survey are presented in right tables in order to summarize, understand, as well as extract their results. Moreover, to compare them with other data, and to obtain statistical significance about the selected study population. However, referring to such data indicated in tables is much easier than going back to check the original questionnaire that may include some data like: names and addresses of individuals, and names of data providers, which violates data confidentiality of statistical data.
“Anonymity of data” is one of the most important procedures. To keep data confidential, GASTAT removed information on individual persons, households, or business entities in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly by combining different, especially rare characteristics of respondents, such as age, occupation, education, etc.

Dissemination policy

Statistical calendar

The Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments has been included in the statistical calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to better meet its clients’ needs; therefore, it provides them with the results immediately upon the release of the Survey of Access and Use of ICT by Establishments publication.
Customer questions and inquiries about the publication and its results are also received through various communication channels, such as:
•    GASTAT official website:  www.stats.gov.sa
•    GASTAT official email address:  info@stats.gov.sa
•    Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
•    Official letters.
•    Statistical telephone: (199009).