Microdata bases are a valuable information source on the behaviour of economic agents. Exploiting them can make for a better and deeper understanding of reality. The Banco de España Data Laboratory (BELab) has been created with the aim of providing the research community with greater access to high-quality microdata, in a controlled environment that ensures confidential treatment of the data.
In this pilot phase, BELab only allows direct access to the Central Balance Sheet Data Office’s microdata in a secure environment (the physical laboratory, or data room) on the Banco de España premises at C/Alcalá 522. In no circumstances will access be given to personal data, i.e. to data enabling individuals to be identified.
BELab provides the following services:
It ensures that individual agents cannot be identified in the results of the work by visiting researchers.