SMP Slovakia: Main recommendations Jan Byfuglien, Senior Advisor, Statistics Norway

The objective of this presentation: Provide an overview of the main recommendations as a background for the more detailed presentations Stimulate reflection on why and how to implement the master plan

The context: The objective of a statistical capacity master plan: to assess the statistical system as a whole and to focus on strategic and structural issues Development of the plan is totally dependent on the constructive input from partners and stakeholders - which in this case was very good

What are the major challenges of the Slovak statistical system? Lack of consistent data in some areas, especially in the social field A fragmented statistical system A need for more user orientation Lack of robustness and flexibility of the statistical system Some inefficiencies in data collection Insufficient human and fiancial resources to meet new challenges

The statistical system of the Slovak Republic A number of partners 8 regional offices Bank Fin Social Educ SO HQ Econ Health Agric Inter Cust Transp Map Cult

The main recommendations A program for social statistical information Investment in ICT infrastructure Joint data collection from local authorities Improved dissemination and user service Improved management of human resources and quality

Main recommendations (cont.) More efficient use of administrative sources Review of division of labour and improved coordination Develop accounting frameworks in several areas Develop an integrated solution for addresses/population registration

A program for social statistical information To ensure high quality and wide dissemination of EU Silc data To develop ad-hoc surveys together with partners targeting specific objectives

Investment in ICT infrastructure Investing in new ICT infrastructure necessary in order to make statistical processing and dissemination more efficient Training programs both for IT and non-IT personell an integral part of the action

Joint data collection from local authorities At present a fragmented and inefficient system Data from local authorities of major importance to analyse social issues.. A joint initiativ covering both statistical and administrative needs using new technology proposed

Improved dissemination and user service Improve user contact and user training Improved use of new technologies and products adapted to user needs Improve users access to the whole statistical system by a common portal and common presentation and dissemination standards

Improved management of human resources and quality Put in place measures to decrease turn-over in critical areas of competence (wage incentives etc.) Develop an extended training program in order to develop methodological and analytical capacities Implement ’Code of practice’

More efficient use of administrative sources To improve the harmonisation and quality of administrative sources and ensure access for statistical purposes Motivation: decrease response burden and develop new statistical products

Review of division of labour and improved coordination Review the division of labour between different partners of the statistical system – including legal basis for surveys Review the internal organisation of the SO with possible specialisation and simplification of regional structure

Develop an integrated solution for addresses/population registration A standard address system and register will serve multiple purposes both administrative and statistical An address register integrated with a common population register will improve the basis for: running social statistical surveys periodical censuses

Develop accounting frameworks in several areas Accounting frameworks helps to ensure consistency and quality of data Requires good cooperation and specialised competences Actions proposed in the fields of: tourism, health, education, labour market

Implementing the SMP Necessary requirements: Transformed into annual programs and project plans with clear time tables and management structures High level of commitment and coordination Necessary funding for improvement actions

What should be the benefits of implementing the SMP The statistical system of Slovakia should produce more relevant and user-oriented statistical information with less regular resources

Strategic management – breaking the vicious circle

”The difficulty is not so much to produce a plan but to know where the plan is stored” The importance is not so much the plan itself, but - the process of establishing a plan - the follow up and evaluation the plan