CBS focuses on the major social challenges in society. Based on this mission, CBS concentrates on several themes for which there is a great need for factual substantiation. In 2026, these are productivity, safety, and strengthening regional data capacity.
In a constantly changing society, facts are indispensable. They provide guidance. They make it possible to base choices on what actually happens, rather than assumptions or feelings. That is what CBS stands for: making the power of facts visible and available so that the Netherlands can make well-considered decisions. CBS plays a crucial role in collecting data and providing information back to Dutch society.

This role is becoming increasingly important. Social issues are becoming more complex and occur simultaneously at local, regional, and national levels. Whether it concerns housing, safety, or economic development: good decisions require reliable and objective insights. CBS collects and publishes these insights not for itself, but together with and for the benefit of the Netherlands. The themes chosen by CBS align with the multi-year program 2024–2028 and are elaborated in the CBS Annual Plan 2026.

Themes 2026

In 2026, CBS focuses on productivity, safety and undermining crime, and strengthening regional data capacity. Information is developed on these themes that meets the needs of users in the Netherlands such as municipalities. The ultimate goal is to work with society to solve social issues.

Productivity

Productivity growth is an important driver of economic development. In recent years, this growth has stagnated, not only in the Netherlands but also in other countries. Factors such as aging and labor market tightness put economic development under pressure. That is why it is important to have a good view of the underlying causes. In 2026 CBS is working on an overview publication about productivity, which also includes related indicators such as innovation, market concentration, and business dynamics. These insights help to better understand where opportunities and bottlenecks lie in the Dutch economy.

Safety and undermining crime

Safety is not only about numbers but also about how people experience their living environment. In 2026 CBS starts several studies that provide insight into different aspects of safety.

For example, CBS investigates the difference between registered crime and how safe people feel. Data from surveys among individuals are combined with information from existing registrations. This provides a broader and more nuanced picture of safety in the Netherlands.

CBS looks at the resilience of companies when the supply of raw materials is disrupted. The focus is on sectors that provide primary necessities and the extent to which they depend on one or a few countries or suppliers. In 2026 this is being investigated, among others, for companies in the semiconductor industry (chips).

Finally, CBS is working on an integrated safety picture, in which national and international indicators come together. This provides coherent insight into developments affecting the safety of the Netherlands.

Strengthening regional data capacity

Many social issues occur at regional and local levels. With the program Region 2026–2027 CBS therefore strongly focuses on strengthening the regional data capacity of the Netherlands.

In close cooperation with municipalities, provinces, and umbrella organizations, regional statistics are developed and deepened that directly connect to current social issues, such as housing, livelihood security, economy, safety, and broad welfare. In 2026 the focus is partly on regional insights into housing, moving, and house prices, and on regional economic figures such as productivity. Safety and poverty statistics are also further expanded for all municipalities.

Below you can read more about the plans for 2026.