1. Statistics, Knowledge and Policy
24/06/2018
Statistics, Knowledge and Policy
Enrico Giovannini
OECD Chief Statistician
October 2006

2. The first OECD World Forum on “Statistics, Knowledge and Policy”
24/06/2018
The first OECD World Forum on “Statistics, Knowledge and Policy”
150 speakers/chairs/discussants
540 delegates from 43 countries (policy makers, statisticians, journalists, academic experts, civil society representatives, etc.)
7 Plenary sessions, 16 parallel sessions, 2 visionary speeches, 2 keynote speeches, wrap-up session
Secretary-General of the OECD, President of the ECB, General Comptroller of United States, Ministers, etc.
Thousands of people followed the conference via web-casting
Statistics represent an essential input into the analytical work of the Organisation.
Data are collected, mainly from Member governments, and are converted, as much as possible, onto an internationally comparable basis. Statistics are then made available for internal use and most of them are then published in both printed and electronic form for use by the general public.
In collaboration with statisticians from member countries and other international organisations, the OECD develops data systems to respond to policy concerns in areas such as national accounts, environment, and service industries.

3. 24/06/2018
The issue
The Forum addressed key issues for the development of modern democracies:
the transparency and accountability of public policies;
people’s capacity for understanding the characteristics and the evolution of the economies and societies in which they are living;
the role of statisticians, media, civil society, etc. in contributing to the development of a common facts-based knowledge among citizens;
the measurement of overall progress of a country/region/community.
Statistics represent an essential input into the analytical work of the Organisation.
Data are collected, mainly from Member governments, and are converted, as much as possible, onto an internationally comparable basis. Statistics are then made available for internal use and most of them are then published in both printed and electronic form for use by the general public.
In collaboration with statisticians from member countries and other international organisations, the OECD develops data systems to respond to policy concerns in areas such as national accounts, environment, and service industries.

4. The inspiration Information is not knowledge (A.Einstein)
24/06/2018
The inspiration
Information is not knowledge (A.Einstein)
Today we are bombarded by information (J.C. Trichet)
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest (B. Franklin)
By adopting key indicator systems, we will be able to generate quality information that can help individuals, institutions and nations accelerate progress and make better choices (D. Walker)
International organisations, like the OECD, have to create global networks to allow communities to discuss, share knowledge and identify best practices (D. Johnston)
Statistics represent an essential input into the analytical work of the Organisation.
Data are collected, mainly from Member governments, and are converted, as much as possible, onto an internationally comparable basis. Statistics are then made available for internal use and most of them are then published in both printed and electronic form for use by the general public.
In collaboration with statisticians from member countries and other international organisations, the OECD develops data systems to respond to policy concerns in areas such as national accounts, environment, and service industries.

5. 24/06/2018
Key facts
A large number of developed countries have launched initiatives to develop a set of key indicators to assess overall progress, considering economic, social and environmental dimensions (importance of the “local” dimension)
In several countries public policies are designed and monitored using quantitative targets
Several international organisations have developed sets of “key indicators” to analyse countries’ performances
Although people have a huge amount of information available to make their decisions, surveys demonstrate that ideology is used as a shortcut to decision-making (Blinder-Krueger)
The development of a “shared” knowledge among all parties of the society is becoming a policy goal
Statistics represent an essential input into the analytical work of the Organisation.
Data are collected, mainly from Member governments, and are converted, as much as possible, onto an internationally comparable basis. Statistics are then made available for internal use and most of them are then published in both printed and electronic form for use by the general public.
In collaboration with statisticians from member countries and other international organisations, the OECD develops data systems to respond to policy concerns in areas such as national accounts, environment, and service industries.

6. Theoretical background
24/06/2018
Theoretical background
Economic literature:
Role of information in “Games Theory” (Nash, Akerlof, Rothschild and Stiglitz, etc.)
Role of information in rational expectations models (Muth, Lucas, etc.)
Political sciences literature:
Role of information in models for democratic choices (Downs, Wittman, Alesina, etc.)
Role of information in political process and elections (Swank, Visser, etc.)
Clear conclusion: “shared information” is fundamental to improve markets functioning and minimise social welfare losses
Statistics represent an essential input into the analytical work of the Organisation.
Data are collected, mainly from Member governments, and are converted, as much as possible, onto an internationally comparable basis. Statistics are then made available for internal use and most of them are then published in both printed and electronic form for use by the general public.
In collaboration with statisticians from member countries and other international organisations, the OECD develops data systems to respond to policy concerns in areas such as national accounts, environment, and service industries.

7. Main outcomes of the first World Forum (1)
The World Forum was a very successful initiative: there is large international community interested in the subject
Today the role of statistics touches upon people’s everyday life: individual and collective decisions are more and more based on some sort of statistical information
The demand for measuring progress comes from the society
There is not a unique way to develop “key indicators”, nor a unique set of indicators, and each country should choose its approach considering cultural and institutional environments
Statistical, political, technical and organisational issues must be addressed, but the success of such an initiative mainly relies on the capacity to involve various sectors of society in a co-operative effort
The international comparison is necessary to put the results in the right context and push poor performers to improve their situation
24/06/2018
Statistics represent an essential input into the analytical work of the Organisation.
Data are collected, mainly from Member governments, and are converted, as much as possible, onto an internationally comparable basis. Statistics are then made available for internal use and most of them are then published in both printed and electronic form for use by the general public.
In collaboration with statisticians from member countries and other international organisations, the OECD develops data systems to respond to policy concerns in areas such as national accounts, environment, and service industries.

8. Main outcomes of the first World Forum (2)
In conclusion, considering both the opinions expressed during the event, the evaluations and suggestions given in the satisfaction survey, the Forum asked the OECD to:
launch a medium-term process on key indicators, through electronic discussion groups, specialised workshops, etc.;
organise a second World Forum in two-three years time.
To respond to this request, the OECD has:
Developed the OECD Factbook;
Designed an horizontal project on “Indicators for measuring progress and indicators for policy making”;
Commenced the preparation of the second World Forum.
24/06/2018
Statistics represent an essential input into the analytical work of the Organisation.
Data are collected, mainly from Member governments, and are converted, as much as possible, onto an internationally comparable basis. Statistics are then made available for internal use and most of them are then published in both printed and electronic form for use by the general public.
In collaboration with statisticians from member countries and other international organisations, the OECD develops data systems to respond to policy concerns in areas such as national accounts, environment, and service industries.

9. The Bellagio Conference
24/06/2018
The Bellagio Conference
24 eminent people representing different constituencies and institutions (including UN, WB) met to discuss the direction of the project and the Forum
Mission of the Project on Measuring progress of societies”:
To foster the development of sets of key economic, social and environmental indicators and their use to inform and promote evidence-based decision-making, within and across the public, private and citizen sectors. These indicator sets can be at the sub-national, national and international levels. The Project is open to all sectors of society, building both on good practice and innovative research work, organised by the OECD in co-operation with national and international organisations.
Statistics represent an essential input into the analytical work of the Organisation.
Data are collected, mainly from Member governments, and are converted, as much as possible, onto an internationally comparable basis. Statistics are then made available for internal use and most of them are then published in both printed and electronic form for use by the general public.
In collaboration with statisticians from member countries and other international organisations, the OECD develops data systems to respond to policy concerns in areas such as national accounts, environment, and service industries.

10. Towards the second World Forum (1)
The OECD is now planning the second World Forum, to be held in Turkey (June 2007)
Given the growing interest on indicators and their use for decision making, regional preparatory events are being planned in:
Middle-East (Qatar – 2007Q1)
Asia (Korea – 2007Q1)
Africa (Ethiopia – 2007Q1)
In co-operation with EC, UN, World Bank, PARIS21.
Website established (
Invited session at the ISI2008
Link to the world meeting of the audit authorities (Mexico 2007)
24/06/2018
Statistics represent an essential input into the analytical work of the Organisation.
Data are collected, mainly from Member governments, and are converted, as much as possible, onto an internationally comparable basis. Statistics are then made available for internal use and most of them are then published in both printed and electronic form for use by the general public.
In collaboration with statisticians from member countries and other international organisations, the OECD develops data systems to respond to policy concerns in areas such as national accounts, environment, and service industries.

11. Towards the second World Forum (2)
The event is intended for people interested in:
Making better use of the latest techniques for measuring societal status and progress;
Identify best practices on how to address key national policy issues;
Discuss global policy issues based on solid statistical evidence.
The common bond of participants will be their interest in taking action to improve the societies they serve through the use of more meaningful, accurate, and timely measurements of progress.
Their common experience at the conference will be to understand and envision possibilities, orient and assess their own situations, and then gather contacts and information that will help them plan and act when they return.
24/06/2018
Statistics represent an essential input into the analytical work of the Organisation.
Data are collected, mainly from Member governments, and are converted, as much as possible, onto an internationally comparable basis. Statistics are then made available for internal use and most of them are then published in both printed and electronic form for use by the general public.
In collaboration with statisticians from member countries and other international organisations, the OECD develops data systems to respond to policy concerns in areas such as national accounts, environment, and service industries.

12. Towards the second World Forum (3)
We expect that the Forum will draw a very diverse audience ( participants):
From multiple sectors and professions
From multiple countries at various level of development
With different levels of experience related to the topic
The Forum would offer:
Plenary sessions
Parallel specialised sessions
Opportunity for information sharing and training on development of indicators
Webcasting of main sessions
24/06/2018
Statistics represent an essential input into the analytical work of the Organisation.
Data are collected, mainly from Member governments, and are converted, as much as possible, onto an internationally comparable basis. Statistics are then made available for internal use and most of them are then published in both printed and electronic form for use by the general public.
In collaboration with statisticians from member countries and other international organisations, the OECD develops data systems to respond to policy concerns in areas such as national accounts, environment, and service industries.

13. Towards the second World Forum (4)
Goals of the Forum
Ensure that every attendee understands the growing importance of societal measurements and indicators systems
Ensure that every attendee leaves the conference understanding the steps they can take to assess, evaluate and implement some of the measures that are appropriate for their society
Create an “experience” that can stimulate further interactions between participants
Provide suggestions for future OECD work
Promote the role of OECD as key “pathfinder” and knowledge builder in the international arena
24/06/2018
Statistics represent an essential input into the analytical work of the Organisation.
Data are collected, mainly from Member governments, and are converted, as much as possible, onto an internationally comparable basis. Statistics are then made available for internal use and most of them are then published in both printed and electronic form for use by the general public.
In collaboration with statisticians from member countries and other international organisations, the OECD develops data systems to respond to policy concerns in areas such as national accounts, environment, and service industries.

14. Could the World Forum, in the medium term, become a key international event:
Where world leaders will collectively discuss practical means by which societies in the 21st century can define, evaluate and foster their progress?
Able to produce broader shared public understanding of changing conditions and highlight areas of significant change or inadequate knowledge?
Where civic dialogue could be enriched from an international perspective through a better understanding of where progress is and isn’t being made?
Able to foster discussions on complex issues based on a common statistical information and analytical ground?
That can help citizens to increase their capacity of making their political and electoral choices based on more solid evidence on societal developments?
24/06/2018
Statistics represent an essential input into the analytical work of the Organisation.
Data are collected, mainly from Member governments, and are converted, as much as possible, onto an internationally comparable basis. Statistics are then made available for internal use and most of them are then published in both printed and electronic form for use by the general public.
In collaboration with statisticians from member countries and other international organisations, the OECD develops data systems to respond to policy concerns in areas such as national accounts, environment, and service industries.