• Presentation of ONS’s International Mentoring programmes:
  • Background and case studies from ONS/FCDO Data Science Hub mentoring R&D partnerships
  • Background and promotion of the International Data Science Accelerator Programme
  • Presentation from Jordan/UAE of their project mentorship during the pilot of this programme
• Discussion

Digitisation and quantification have driven the growth of big data, and machine learning makes big data more usable. It's easy to see why large organisations including National Statistical Institutions (NSIs) are exploring ways of augmenting their existing decision-making and business operations with machine learning and big data (which is often obtained from third-party sources, e.g., mobile network operators).

NSIs play an increasingly important role in government by providing policy makers with accurate information on which to base decisions. To stay relevant, NSIs have to embrace new technologies and data sources to shorten the time between data collection and statistical output.

What will the workshop involve: In this hands-on workshop we will explore machine learning approaches for producing statistics from Big Data.

The ONS and UNECE team will work with workshop participants to discuss experiences, identify common challenges and priorities, and draw out useful insights that can be of value to other organisations considering the use of machine learning for exploring Big Data.

The session will look at the Quality Framework for Official Statistics and consider three key aspects of using machine learning:

• Accuracy
• Explainability
• Ease of integration into existing business processes

Who should attend: Senior leaders in statistical world, statisticians, methodologist, data scientists, technology leads, digital programme managers, or anyone that is considering applying ML in their organisation.

Format

• Outline the potential benefits of the use of Machine Learning in Statistics
• Scoping white board exercise , capture thoughts and ideas
• Allow and encourage questions and discussion as we go
• Brainstorm in small breakout sessions and share experiences
  • Capture in

• An opportunity to speak to the ONS team about their international work in ML and Data Science Capability Building.
• Follow up on any of the topics raised in the day’s sessions. Find out more about their work and discuss ways to get involved over the next year