European Statistics Day: Official Statistics, a Window for Understanding Society
On 20 October, the European Union celebrates the 9th European Statistics Day under the motto “Official Statistics, a window for understanding society”. This day is dedicated to highlighting the importance of official statistics as an objective, independent and reliable source of information.
“For a modern democratic society to function properly, it must be based on a solid foundation of reliable and objective statistics. Statistical surveys conducted by the State Data Agency (Statistics Lithuania) allow us to get a detailed picture of the economic, social and demographic situation, to compare our country’s indicators with other European Union countries, to assess changes and make targeted decisions”, – Dr Jūratė Petrauskienė, Director General, emphasizes the importance of statistics.
Statistical authorities of the Member States of the European Union work together with the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) in the common European statistical system to prepare reliable and comparable data. Official statistics are used by governments to shape their policies, by enterprises – to develop and improve products and services, and by citizens – to evaluate state decisions and compare themselves with others. In order to respond to growing needs, efforts are being made to constantly expand data sources, apply new statistical methods and innovative technologies.
The State Data Agency produces statistical information using data collected in state registers, surveying residents and conducting surveys of economic entities. The participation of each randomly selected natural or legal entity in surveys and statistical studies is very important, because the quality of statistical information depends on them.
Today’s society and advanced state administration require operational data in one place and accessible on the ‘one stop shop’ principle. In view of this, the Agency was entrusted with another important task – state data governance. This role enables the Agency’s team to take care of the country’s data: first, to find out what data has been accumulated by state institutions and municipalities, then to inventory them, later to connect them with each other, to empower them, and thus enhance and promote the development of a new data culture in the country.
“The possibilities of using state data are very wide: it is the development of scientific research, experimental activities and innovations, management of strategic processes of state and municipal institutions and authorities, monitoring and analysis of the state’s economic and social development. It is also the data that pushes business innovations forward,” – Dr Jūratė Petrauskienė notes.
An important task of the Agency is to ensure that as many interested residents as possible use official statistics, understand the importance and benefits of data and become familiar with the main principles of their analysis. As a result, the Agency regularly organizes trainings and seminars for representatives of the public sector, the academic community, actively cooperates with representatives from the education system, and conducts classes for pupils.
This year, in the context of the European Statistics Day, the Agency starts registration for the European Statistics Competition for pupils, and teachers are invited to participate in the upcoming seminar (29 October), dedicated to the improvement of basic statistical knowledge competences.