Release of the 2019 LIS Template

Dear LIS users,

The motivation of this template revision stemmed from our determination to provide easier to use variables (clearer categories, definitions and aggregation rules), higher temporal and cross-country variables’ coverage, and more data points – possibly annual data series and expansion to new geographical areas.

As a result, we decided to implement a significant reduction in the number of the LIS variables to be included in the new template – from 737 to 191 – in conjunction with a reorganisation of all of the included variables. The reorganisation entailed adjusted definitions, refined categories and easier aggregation rules, as well as the introduction of few new crucial variables. For more information about the new variable list and user guide for LIS, see here. More information about the LWS new variable list and the user guide is available here.

With this revision, we believe we have achieved at least four major improvements: i) higher coverage of the income variables, ii) higher degree of data usability and comparability, iii) addition of new variables, and iv) extended documentation. We are confident that this template revision will also help us achieve new milestones in the near future. The flexibility offered by the new template will enable us to extend the LIS dataset coverage both in the temporal and geographical dimensions, as well as allow for a much easier introduction of new blocks of variables. For more information about the changes with respect to the old template, see here.

As of today, all the LIS datasets are available in the new template, and accessible through LISSY, while the LWS datasets will be available in the new template shortly. In addition, the pre-revised version of the data will remain accessible for a specific period of time so that the researchers can finalize their ongoing projects.

Overall we are proud of this further step towards increasing the quality and easing the use of the LIS databases. We continue in our policy of serving the research community with the best quality for the largest number of countries.

Daniele Checchi
Director of Luxembourg LIS Office
May 1st 2019

April 30, 2019 | News