The document discusses Eurostat's Methodological Network and Strategy. It provides a brief history of the Methodological Network, which was proposed in late 2014 and officially launched in mid-2016. The network aims to improve cross-cutting methodological work through activities like publications, help desks, and seminars. The Methodological Strategy defines methodology as how statistics are compiled and analyzed. It emphasizes adapting to new data sources and focusing on cross-cutting areas. The strategy also outlines implementing methodological work across the statistical production process and collaborating externally.

1. Methodological network and strategy
B1 Unit Meeting, 5 of September 2016
by Dario Buono

2. Outline
Eurostat Methodological Network
o Some history, pipeline and foreseen activities
Eurostat Methodological Strategy
o Definition & Scope
o Data-driven world
o Implications for Eurostat
o Focus on cross-cutting methodological work
o Implementation

3. Eurostat Methodological Network (1)
Some history
• End of 2014, idea proposed by the Eurostat 2020
discussion group B on “Permanent Methodological
Development”
• April 2015, idea adopted by the DM seminar
• Summer 2015, methodological skills Survey
• September 2015, B1 brainstorming event
• October 2015, DM approves METAC mandate
• February 2016, 1st Seminar on Data Science
• April 2016, DM approves Methodological Strategy

4. Eurostat Methodological Network (2)
….more history
• June 2016, DM approves procedure to join
the network
• June 2016, 2nd Seminar on Indicators
• July 2016, Cybernews call for expression of
interest
• July 2016: About 25 people officially join
following approval by HoU and Director
• Up to 10 WDs within objectives

5. Eurostat Methodological Network (3)
Pipeline
• September 2016 kick-off event for network Clustering:
1. Data integration
2. Data analytics
3. New statistical methods for new data
• October 2016, appointing coordinator and drafting work
programme
• November 2016, presentation of clusters and co-
ordinators to the HUM
• 2017, running activities and reporting back to DM

6. What's in for the Network?
Examples of activities
• Eurostat Statistical working papers
• methodological help-desk services
• scientific work for Eurostat events: authoring articles,
peer reviewing, scientific committee membership,
session chairing, panellist, literature reviewing
• methodological Q&A sessions
• ESTP and EMOS
• metadata template for quality grading of indicators

7. Methodological Strategy (1)
• "Methodology is… a system of methods
used in a particular area of study or activity;
• Methodology is… about how we conduct
the statistical processing
• which reminds…

8. Methodological Strategy (2)
Scope
o focuses on cross-cutting areas and methods
o Compilation/production of statistics
o Analysis of statistics
o Co-operation with Member States for a given statistical
area
o Metadata management
o domains' priorities in line with work programmes
o forward-looking perspective
o focusing on new developments

9. Data Driven World: context
• Objective 1 ESP
• Demand of data users
• Methodologists need
to innovate based on
new statistical methods
and information
technologies

10. Data Driven World: challenges
• ESS needs alternative methods
• Limitations of traditional surveys
• Not same quality standards of statistics produced and
published by organisations
• Eurostat needs to adapt to increasing competition

11. Implications for Eurostat
• Become a statistical services provider
• Combine skills (data science, IT, domain knowledge)
• Integrate existing data and new sources
• Validate or replace data
• Involve staff from different directorates
• Proactive approach
• New communication and dissemination
• Capacity of innovation

12. Three Strategic orientations!

13. Implementation of cross-cutting
methodological work
• ESS Vision 2020 portfolio
• Existing programmes in Eurostat directorates
• Identify and coordinate cross-cutting areas
• Screen and approve project proposals (METAC)
• Collaborate with external organisations

14. • ….and now….
• two
• Enterprise
• Architecture
• masterpieces!!

15. METHODOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES ALONG THE GSBPM STEPS
Legend:
Cross-cutting methodological activities requiring horizontal initiative
Methodological activities with horizontal ad-hoc support
Directorate methodological domain activities
1. Specify
needs
•Definition of new needs and dealing with unstructured data
•Definition of new statistical products and/or services
•Identification of possible new sources
2. Design
•Design of statistical products and services (new sources, new data analytics services)
•Harmonisation: statistical classification, concept, data collection instrument.
•Design for European surveys.
•Standardised methods/tools: validation methods, model based estimation , integrating and
combining sources, EU aggregates estimation, confidentiality procedures, or quality assessment.
• Statistical methodology services (guidelines, handbook)
3. Build.
•ESS activities on harmonisation, standardisation, and modernisation
4. Collect
•ESS activities on harmonisation, standardisation, and modernisation
•Data Exchange/reception/sharing
5. Process
•Combining sources (data matching/ record linkage methods).
•Validation procedure.
•Imputation/estimation methods (time series analysis, nowcasting, model based methods, micro-
data simulation).
•EU aggregate estimation.
6. Analyse
•Quality indicators including uncertainty measurement (non-sampling error, outliers detection,
revisions impact).
•Development of confidentiality on the fly allowing external users to get tailor made extractions
based on microdata that respect relevant confidentiality requirements.
7.
Disseminate
•Provision of necessary input and tools for disseminating statistical product and services.
•Vertical and horizontal methodological support
QUALITYANDMETADATAMANAGEMENT

17. Thank you for your attention