About
The members of the Data Science Leader's Network (DSLN), under the umbrella of the Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics, have agreed to develop a DSLN Playbook with the objective to provide a comprehensive guide for integrating data science into the work of National Statistical Offices, and to offer a systematic approach to piloting projects, pooling resources, documenting successes, and overcoming institutional barriers.
The "playbook" format has been chosen as a way of capturing (in a user-friendly manner) a structured set of practical guidelines designed to help NSOs achieve specific objectives towards the mainstreaming of data science in the day-to-day business of official statistics, providing both strategic and tactical guidance. It aims to be a practical, hands-on resource that can be easily consulted and followed by practitioners at the frontlines of statistical work, with step-by-step procedures, best practices, checklists, and real-world examples that help a team understand not just the "what" but also the "how" of implementation.
The event will be an opportunity to present and discuss the progress towards the development of the Data Science Playbook, based on the outcome of the 2nd Sprint of the Data Science Leaders' Network, which took place in Dubai from 22 to 24 January, as part of the International Seminar on Data Science for the Statistical and Transport Communities .
Programme
Objective: To report on the progress of the Data Science Playbook development, outline its structure, and encourage collaborative efforts within the statistical community.
Welcome and Introduction
Ronald Jansen, UNSD (DSLN Secretariat)
Brief welcome to participants, introduction to the webinar's objectives, and acknowledgment of the attendees.
Opening Remarks
Osama Rahman, ONS UK, Data Science Campus and Chair of the DSLN
Contextualizing the purpose and target audience of the Data Science Playbook within the UN Committee of Experts for Big Data and Data Science in Official Statistics' objectives, emphasizing the importance of practical guidance for innovation in statistical production.
- Give the motivation of a Data Science team as driver of innovation in a statistical office.
- Why was the ONS Data Science Campus created and how has it evolved over the last 6 years?
The Data Science Playbook: Vision and Structure
Ronald Jansen, UNSD (DSLN Secretariat)
An overview of the Playbook's development process, and a detailed presentation of the structure and content of the three main sections, based on the outcomes of the 2nd DSLN Sprint:
- Automation and efficiency gains in existing processes
- Data science as a tool for emergent needs
- Full transformation of statistical production systems
- Cross-cutting themes
Highlights from the Data Science Playbook Development Process
Eric Deeben
Overview of the process so far:
- DSLN Terms of Reference adopted in March 2023
- 1st Sprint on 31 March 2023 (virtual)
- 2nd Sprint on 23/24 January 2024 (in person) with preparatory webinars in Nov and Dec 2023
Discussants: What is the value of Playbook/Data Science for your institute?
- Francesca Kay, Ireland
- Ivan Murenzi, Rwanda
- Marco Marini, IMF
Open Discussion and Q&A
Facilitator:
Ronald Jansen, UNSD (DSLN Secretariat)
Open floor for questions from the webinar participants, encouraging feedback and suggestions on the Playbook's draft content and structure.
Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Osama Rahman, ONS UK, Data Science Campus and Chair of the DSLN
Summarizing the webinar's key points, outlining the next phases in the Playbook's development, and inviting the statistical community to actively participate in the upcoming stages.