1. Eurostat Unit E4 Ninth Meeting of the
Policy Group on Statistical Co-operation
16 – 17 October 2008
Istanbul
Experiences with service contracts
(Document PGSC/2008/1-__ (Croatia))
Point 9.1 of the Agenda

2. Republic of Croatia Central Bureau of Statistics
PGSC 2008
Service contract as an element
of co-operation
Robert Knežević
Zagreb, October, 2008

3. EU Technical Assistance to Croatia
Currently PHARE 2005 Programme
2 twinning contracts
Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland,
1 service contract
Expected PHARE 2006 Programme
Expected IPA 2008 Programme

4. Twinning - Service
Relation Twinning vs. Service in Croatian experience
Twinning is necessary and successful whenever there is a need for transferring knowledge, experiences and skills
Service is necessary for direct implementing of activities under heavy pressure with low resources
Combination of twinning and service unique and difficult experience, but successful

5. SERVICE PECULIARITIES
Quick response to changing environment
PHARE 2005 (4 projects) was delayed and time-table shaken-up
Service reacted promptly and in a creative manner to changes in statistical activities
Strong and unexpected turnover of IT in CBS
Service supplied external IT experts
Difficulties in adjusting the contract with EC Delegation and CFCA – solved after detailed justification

6. Service experiences
Service is of great value for high-pressure activities
Finished goods as a result
ADVANTAGES:
Immediate results to be expected
Excellent tool in a short-term prospective
Covering gaps only
Addition to existing human resources
Helps during priority clashes
Addition to planning of internal resources
DISADVANTAGES:
Knowledge needs to exist prior to service start
Transfer of experiences and practices to be negotiated first
Acquiring necessary know-how through on-job training

7. Conflicting issues Puts pressure on prior methodological development
Permanent monitoring and active supervision necessary
Development activities difficult to achieve with Service

8. POSITIVE ASPECTS Addition to own efforts
Leads to improved planning during preparation of tasks for the service
Chance for improvement and changes throughout service duration
Improve on monitoring and supervision
Support to team work

9. Republic of Croatia Central Bureau of Statistics
THANK YOU