Use of new technologies and evidence-based decisions: key factors in the strategy for the 2020 Population and Housing Census in Mexico in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

The development of population and housing censuses implies a challenge regarding the necessary resources, logistics, operations for National Statistical Offices (NSOs). At global level, this was more significant in 2020 census round due to COVID-19 health contingency. This led Mexico’s Institute Statistics Geography (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía – INEGI) analyze possible scenarios face pandemic rethink some activities order adapt As result these measures, Population Housing Census Mexico turned out success. aim paper is share INEGI’s solutions implemented before, during, after contingency, which favored conclusion other countries might find useful. Among key elements Mexican strategy incorporation technologies data collection, e.g. migrating from questionnaires use mobile computing devices (MCDs), reduced time capture processing information. In addition, brief analysis behavior past pandemics facilitated decision-making. main lessons learned experience include: importance maintaining generation official statistics crisis contexts, need NSOs have robust risk management system that contemplates all types allows them act any implement innovative collection methods extend Information Communication Technologies (ICT).