The Statistical Methods Centre develops and adapts statistical and econometric methods in order to improve and render more efficient the quality of the mass data from the Federal Employment Agency as well as from IAB's own surveys.

A more deeply rooted knowledge of the processes through which data is created is utilized in order to provide adequate statistical representation and modelling of labour market processes. New sources of data are tapped and evaluated as examples. By linking and complementing data sources, analysis potential can be increased.

Thus, where technical data and methods are concerned, the Statistical Methods Centre generates the prerequisites necessary for labour market and occupational research and acts in an advisory capacity to the various different Research Departments at IAB and organizational units of the Federal Employment Agency. To do this, it runs various events and projects as well as cooperating with well-known researchers.

The Statistical Methods Centre promotes the quality of empirical labour market analysis, develops new fields of research and pinpoints links between labour market processes and the effects of policy intervention.