---
title: "To Do: Modernize IT Systems for Federal Statistical Agencies"
summary: |-
  Congress should appropriate funds to modernize and expand federal statistical agencies’ IT systems.
date: "2021-07-01"
issues: ["Federal Strategy and Management", "Digital Government"]
content_type: "Knowledge Base Articles"
canonical_url: "https://itif.org/publications/2021/07/01/to-do-modernize-it-systems-for-federal-statistical-agencies/"
---

# To Do: Modernize IT Systems for Federal Statistical Agencies

# Recommendation

Congress should appropriate funds to modernize and expand federal statistical agencies’ IT systems.

# Details

The United States needs a more coherent national advanced technology strategy with the rise of China and other economic competitors. But years of budget constraints have left U.S. statistical agencies with insufficient resources to effectively measure key elements of the economy needed to craft and implement such a strategy. As such, Congress should make a one-time appropriation to fully modernize and expand federal statistical agency IT systems as part of a national infrastructure package. It should then increase annual funding on an ongoing basis.

**Keep reading:**

- Robert D. Atkinson, “Federal Statistical Needs for a National Advanced Industry and Technology Strategy” (ITIF, July 2021), [https://itif.org/publications/2021/07/01/federal-statistical-needs-national-advanced-industry-and-technology-strategy/](https://itif.org/publications/2021/07/01/federal-statistical-needs-national-advanced-industry-and-technology-strategy/).

- Robert D. Atkinson, “Think Like an Enterprise: Why Nations Need Comprehensive Productivity Strategies” (ITIF, May 2016), [https://itif.org/publications/2016/05/04/think-enterprise-why-nations-need-comprehensive-productivity-strategies](https://itif.org/publications/2016/05/04/think-enterprise-why-nations-need-comprehensive-productivity-strategies).

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*Source: Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF)*
*URL: https://itif.org/publications/2021/07/01/to-do-modernize-it-systems-for-federal-statistical-agencies/*