TL04: Connecting the Dots: Integrating Survey and Administrative Data for Economic Analysis

Music City Center 

Modern economic research increasingly relies on combining multiple data sources to answer complex policy questions. This talk demonstrates how integrating traditional surveys with administrative records and secure Census data creates new opportunities for economic analysis. Using examples from the economics of education, we'll explore methodological approaches for combining administrative data, state administrative records, Census databases, and tax data to generate comprehensive economic insights. The discussion will highlight how these linked data environments enable stronger causal inference and policy evaluation across various economic sectors. Special attention will be paid to practical challenges researchers face when working across multiple data systems and how statistical agencies can support this emerging research frontier.

Data integration

Administrative records linkage

Causal inference

Economic analysis