Role of official statistics in the age of data and artificial intelligence – subject of the international conference
On 13–17 May, the joint 19th IAOS and the 4th ISI Regional Statistics Conference organized by the Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), the International Association for Official Statistics (IAOS) and the International Statistical Institute (ISI) took place in Mexico City, in which the delegation of the State Data Agency (Statistics Lithuania) was actively engaged.
This year’s Conference theme, “Improving Decision-Making for All”, points to statistics’ role as a valuable public good all users rely on to inform their decisions. The IAOS-ISI 2024 Mexico Conference aims to build a new social contract around data based on value and trust.
“I am extremely happy to see so many people eager to share and gain knowledge in the field of statistics. I wish you a successful conference!”, noted Dr Jūratė Petrauskienė, Director General of the State Data Agency, Chair of the Scientific Programme Committee, in her warm greeting at the Conference opening ceremony.
During the three days of the Conference, 49 sessions took place, where 130 speakers presented their ideas, insights and experiences. The main topics discussed at the Conference were data management, the changing role of official statistics, problems of applying artificial intelligence, use of new methods and data sources in official statistics.
At the high–level seminar held before the Conference, which was dedicated to discussing innovations in official statistics, Dr Jūratė Petrauskienė presented the transformation of Lithuanian statistics and the new role of the organization as the state data steward, emphasizing that official statistics are at a critical turning point. “It is very important to find our position within the country’s data ecosystems and to move resolutely towards the opportunities provided by the age of data and artificial intelligence. At the same time, it is necessary to adhere to the core value principles of official statistics. As professionals guided by these values, we can and should take on a leadership role in the data markets of our countries”, stated the Head of the statistical authority of Lithuania, presenting our position.
Dr Inga Masiulaitytė–Šukevič, Deputy Director General, made a presentation on the State Data Agency’s progress achieved up to now in setting up a statistical population register. “Statistical population register we create is already yielding tangible benefits and showing remarkable results, i.e. demography and migration statistics are prepared by automated means. We hope that in the nearest future we will be able to update and display these statistics in real time, and population censuses will be able to be conducted annually or even monthly”, I. Masiulaitytė–Šukevič shared her thoughts.
At the Conference, Tomas Rudys, Head of the Methodology and Data Science Group at the State Data Agency, delivered a presentation on scanning data used by the State Data Agency, obtained from private data holders. “Utilization of data from shopping receipts of supermarkets already received for producing inflation rates, household (family) budget, etc. indicators possesses a significant capacity due to its detail, precision and scope. In the longer term, the use of such and similar big data in official statistics could be tantamount to a revolution”, T. Rudys briefly explained.
In addition to the reports read, the Director General of the State Data Agency and other representatives of the delegation moderated panel discussions, participated in official and informal meetings with their colleagues from around the world and representatives of international organizations such as the World Bank, United Nations, OECD, etc.
“Most importantly, we “take home” the real knowledge and awareness that after reforming our organization and taking on new roles in state data management, we are recognized leaders whose chosen path, as a success story, is widely discussed. It further encourages, motivates and gives us even more confidence. At the same time, by combining our courage with the insights and experience of our colleagues from other countries, we can expect even greater success”, the Head of the State Data Agency concluded after the Conference.
Last updated: 20-05-2024
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