Terms of reference for the Technical Team on DIGITIZATION AND INTEGRATION OF DATA SCIENCE INITIATIVES
- Background
The statistical community has globally recognized that producers of official statistics need to transform and modernize themselves to adequately respond to all data demands arising from SDG, Agenda 2063, national development plans and other agendas and frameworks. This transformation and modernization cover all areas of official statistics, including the institutional statistical environment, production processes, coordination and collaboration.
Several countries have undertaken steps on the institutional environment side, starting with the revision or amendment of their statistics legislation and regulations. Many efforts are put in the use of alternative and new data sources to fill existing data gaps, improve data quality and respond to new and emerging needs. Besides, technologies of information and communication are more present in statistical processes as illustrated by several initiatives on data sciences, big data, data campus, etc.
Pan African organizations and partners supporting statistics in the continent support different steps towards the modernization and transformation of official statistics in the continent. However, all their initiatives are done with limited coordination and minimum harmonization within and across countries. Besides, there are no standards yet established or a measurement defined to assess the degree of modernization of a statistical institution, for instance. Likewise, countries are at different levels of statistical development, with diverse priorities and needs that are not systematically taken into account in modernization projects proposed by statistics partners. Also, the lack of guidelines has, for instance, created confusions and problems in some countries after the revision of the statistics act. A framework was therefore needed to address these issues and to guide transformation and modernization of national statistical systems in Africa. The African group on modernization and transformation of official statistics was created by the Statistical Commission for Africa for this purpose during its seventh meeting in October 2020.
- Establishment of the Technical Teams
During the second meeting of the African Group on Transformation and Modernization of Official Statistics (AGTM) held virtually on 8th March 2021, the vision of the Group was developed to read as follows:
“Modernized statistical systems for a competitive and prosperous Africa”.
The meeting also approved the creation of three technical teams (TT) that will spearhead the work in the following thematic areas for transformation and modernization of official statistics.
TT1: Digitalization and Integration of data science initiatives
TT2: Survey methodology
TT3: Coordination of the national statistical system and Statistical legislation (including Administrative data systems and other sources)
- TT1: Digitization and Integration of Data Science Initiatives in Statistical Production
This Technical Team will focus on identifying the appropriate mechanisms for digitization of production processes and integration of data science initiatives such as big data, citizen generated data, data campus etc. The team will be expected to come up with a holistic approach to modernization of statistical systems through inculcation of proven technologies to significantly enhance production of official statistics. Specifically, TT1 shall undertake the following activities;
- Carry out tailor made benchmarking studies in countries that have succeeded in modernizing their statistical systems through digitization with a view to establishing the most efficient routes to digital transformation.
- Prepare a list of available digitization tools/aspects/mechanisms, applicability and their cost effectiveness as well as the priority of their implementation
- Establish the prerequisites for the digitization process including the appropriate infrastructure, competencies and legal frameworks, among others
- Develop tools for assessing the extent of digitization and use of data science initiatives such as big data, CGD etc in statistical production
- Identify case studies in Africa that are leaders in automation of production processes and develop modalities of adoption across the whole continent eg digital censuses, extensive use of mobile telephony in data management
- Develop a clear, comprehensive and feasible roadmap for digitization and adoption of data science initiatives in Africa
- Establish mechanisms for capacity building in adoption of modern technologies in statistical activities including identification of suitable resource persons among themselves and from across the globe
- Prepare the reference materials (manuals and guidelines) for accelerated digitization of statistical activities that will guide countries in the modernization journey
- Conduct an in-depth study on data science initiatives such as Big Data, CGD, data campus etc and prepare a separate guide that will prescribe a clear path of their integration into production of official statistics given the prevailing circumstances that underpin statistical production in the respective countries
IV. Timetable
The Technical Team will produce a progress report every one year to the African Group on Transformation and Modernization of official Statistics. In between, biannual progress reports will be submitted to the bureau of the African Group.
V. Membership
The Technical Team is composed of persons who are experts in the subject matter from the national statistical offices. The Technical Team will be country led and to ensure geographical balance, each sub region of the Economic Commission for Africa will be represented by experts of at least two countries.
The members of the Technical Team will commit to devote the necessary time to discharge their duties. They will select the Chairperson among themselves. The Economic Commission for Africa ensures the secretariat of the Group.