Page 315 - Special Topic Session (STS) - Volume 4

STS637 Ronald W. J.

UN global platform as a data science
collaboration environment for official statistics
Ronald W. Jansen
United Nations Statistics Division/DESA

Abstract
Traditional data collection tools such as surveys or censuses are expensive and
take time to process. Some new technologies, such as the use of hand-held
devices or the collection via on-line surveys, have shortened the delivery time.
However, the traditional ways are not suitable to deliver on the promise of
abundant and fast data for the 2030 Agenda. Therefore, the statistical
community started looking into the use of new data sources to complement
the traditional ones. Firstly, there is a wealth of administrative data sources,
which the national statistical institutes can tap into. Then, there are the
continuous streams of digital data generated by satellites, mobile networks or
social media platforms. Nowadays we can access data from satellites, drones,
mobile phones, social media applications and internet searches. Soon the 5G
network becomes more broadly available, which makes it easier to use sensor
data from cars, appliances or systems in your house or office. In 2018, the UN
Statistical Commission created a Global Working Group (GWG) on Big Data
for Official Statistics put into place the so-called UN Global Platform, which is
a collaborative research and development environment for the global
statistical community and all its stakeholder groups. Its platform organization
is based on networking and marketplace principles, which facilitates the
exchange, development and sharing of data, methods, tools and expertise,
and accelerates data innovation. Ultimately, the purpose of the platform is to
produce trusted data, trusted methods and trusted learning, which includes
development of skills sets related to Data Science, since processing of Big Data
requires use of advance technology and machine learning techniques.
Statistical institutes have started creating data innovation centers to
experiment with Data Science and Big Data sources. The reasons for wanting
to have a Data Science facility in conjunction with a national statistical office
are (1) to harness and exploit large digital datasets and data streams, (2) to
develop and test algorithms, which lead to statistics and insights, and (3) to
develop new skills in the task force of the statistical office, as well as attracts
partner communities to work with the statistical office.

Keywords
Big Data; Data Science; Data innovation; Official Statistics; UN Global Platform

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