Norges Bank’s Regional Network: Fresh and Useful Information

Abstract

In order to obtain early signals about developments in the Norwegian economy, Norges Bank has established a regional network of around 1 500 enterprises and other organisations around the country. The information derived from this network is important to Norges Bank’s conduct of monetary policy. This article shows how information from the regional network correlates with other official statistics and presents some of the strengths and weaknesses of the network’s data series relative to other statistics. The variable set examined is relatively broad, and this overview will be a useful reference for those following the results from the regional network. The article also shows that the regional network provides information which is not otherwise available.