"This article provides an overview of the challenges faced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to meet policy and wider evidence needs on the ongoing process of social and economic integration. Globalisation has been singled out by the UK Government as one of the main challenges and opportunities facing the country. Migration is the main work priority for ONS in this area. Other crucial challenges are posed by new forms of ‘weightless' trade, increasing specialisation in internationally engaged firms, greater importance of intangible investment, unprecedented financial integration and the wide range of social and economic impacts on the population.This article documents the progress made towards meeting these challenges, and concludes that increased, and more focused, interdepartmental and international co-operation is needed. It also invites external contributions to the ongoing consultation on the future ONS work programme."

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