Page 142 - Invited Paper Session (IPS) - Volume 1

IPS122 Elise C. et al.

Experimenting datascience with the French
SSP Lab
Dr. Elise COUDIN, Dr. Mathilde POULHES
INSEE, France

Abstract
INSEE created a new unit dedicated to innovation and R&D in terms of new
data sources and new statistical methods for the production of official
statistics. Part of the Directorate of Methodology, Statistical Coordination and
International Relations, the SSP Lab (Official Statistics Service Lab) is a resource
and animation centre for applied research, experimental development and
new ways of working within the French official statistics service (Service de
Statistique Publique; SSP). Sponsored by business units in charge of statistical
production, the SSP Lab conducts experimental projects in partnership with
these units. It also leads networks within the French official statistics service,
in collaboration with external partners, including European peers and
academics.

Keywords
Datascience; official statistics; datascience innovation

1. What is the background of the SSP Lab creation?
1.1. General context
The extraordinary development of new data sources, methods and
processing capabilities of the digital revolution requires official statistics to
produce ever more detailed information and to improve timeliness. INSEE, like
other NSIs, therefore pays close attention to developing and federating
innovation within the national official statistics service. Official statistics must
absolutely maintain a high level of excellence in order to produce objective,
relevant and meaningful statistical inputs in the public debate within a
competitive context of new emerging data providers and actors. This level of
excellence requires rare skills that must be mobilised and developed
throughout the agents' careers, in a general context of reduction of public
sector resources.
In this context, INSEE set up in May 2018 an innovation unit called the SSP
Lab (Official Statistics Service Lab, SSP stands for Service de Statistique
Publique, the official statistics service, i.e. INSEE and the Ministerial Statistical
Services), which aims to monitor and disseminate innovative statistical
methods and explore new data through experimental projects carried out in
partnership with business units of the official statistics service.

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