Data protection of survey data used for research

The Ifo Institute is obligated to the participants of its business surveys to ensure the security of the collected data. The data protections applies both to the identity of the participating businesses and the survey results as well as the actual survey-panel composition. The strict protection of data security is required for maintaining panel stability and for conducting the surveys. For this reason, the Ifo Institute does not allow access to the survey data to third parties. An exception is only made for research purposes if it is assured that the data are kept secret, in particular that any form of re-individuation of anonymised data is rendered impossible.

Researchers who are granted access to the survey data of the Ifo Institute are obliged to sign an agreement that they will observe the data protection rules of the Ifo Institute. The obligation also continues after completion of the research project.

The following obligations apply for data use for research purposes:

The data made available by the Ifo Institute are used exclusively for research purposes. Use of the data for commercial purposes is not allowed.
Users are not allowed to pass on information about participating firms or about the composition of the panels to third parties.
The data made available are anonymised, and it is forbidden to re-individualise them. Suitable procedures ensure that this is not possible.
The data are made available at the Ifo Institute in the rooms and on the computers of the Institute. Computer access is by personal password and activities are monitored and recorded. It is ensured that unauthorized access to the offices or computers by third parties is not possible.
It is forbidden to copy databases, to transmit them or to store them on external storage media (e.g., DVD, CD-ROM, floppy disks). Data print-outs may be kept only in the visitor researcher rooms provided by the Ifo Institute, which must be inaccessible for third parties.
On completion of the research project all data collected, also data derived from the micro-data, must be deleted. Data print-outs are to be destroyed using paper shredders at the Ifo Institute.
The research results based on the survey data must be submitted to the Ifo Institute for examination before publication or other form of distribution. The Ifo Institute examines whether inferences can be made to individual data or to panel composition. If such information is found, it must be deleted.
In the publication of the research, reference must be made to the provision of the data by the Ifo Institute. A copy of the research study and/or publication must be submitted to the Ifo Institute.