Page 250 - Invited Paper Session (IPS) - Volume 2

IPS236 Eva L.
new methods and technologies has become a key necessity in statistics. The
new phenomena, the new requirements have influence on the scope of the
statistics to be observed. The new “definition” of statistics, statistical
methodology to be applied, the ways of communicating data strongly
influence the issues of statistical culture as well.
The decline of trust in statistics and statistical data gave birth to
professional ethics in statistics, the need to discuss ethical issues, issues
statements has increased. The above mentioned factors affect official statistics,
researchers, and all the stakeholders engaged in statistics but they affect –
particularly – the operation of national statistical societies.
According to the new vision of statistics in the future statistics could be
produced more outside the official statistical service as well (such as
researchers, universities, academic sphere, but by NGOs too. This requires
nevertheless more than traditional cooperation; the methodology of the
statistics produced should be harmonized, integrated, the standards of
statistical methodology and ethics should be respected and enforced. It is
obvious that the „validation” of statistics produced in the different spheres
represents an immense task both for official statistics and national statistical
societies too.

2.2. The actors of statistics
Nowadays the most important actors in statistics are the national statistical
offices and the national statistical societies. Despite similarities, the tasks,
challenges, operation of the most important statistical actors differ.

2.2.1. The national statistical offices and their tasks
The number one „producers” of statistics are the national statistical offices,
the institutions of national official statistics. As it is the case for many other
institutions, the task of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) is to
elaborate statistical concepts, methods, conduct the data collections
stipulated in the national statistical system (with particular regard to
population censuses), and process the data. It considers as its task to prepare
analyses and provide statistical information for public bodies, social
institutions, parties, local governments, scientific research and public opinion.

2.2.2. The national statistical societies and their tasks
The tasks of national statistical societies are more diversified. The aim,
mission of the Hungarian Statistical Association is to help the theoretical,
practical development of statistics, create a forum to discuss theoretical and
practical issues of statistics, take a stand on statistical methodological issues,
inform about current statistical issues of public interest.

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