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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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’

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Strategic management – breaking the vicious circle

20. ”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