Description: This Joint Webinar of the Intersecretariat Working Group on Household Surveys (ISWGHS) and of the Global Network of Data Officers and Statisticians, which was attended by around 210 participants, featured Stephanie Eckman from the Social Data Science Center of the University of Maryland. She discussed how insights from survey methodology can help improve the quality of training and feedback data used for machine learning models like large language models (LLMs) which can improve model performance. Stephanie highlighted two key areas where survey methodology principles are relevant: 1) Representation - ensuring the labelers who train the models are representative of the target population, and 2) Measurement - ensuring the labeling instruments and procedures yield high-quality labels. On representation, she showed how characteristics of the labelers can impact the labels and resulting models, creating selection biases. If many labelers are from specific countries/regions then this can introduce demographic biases. One possible solution to adjust for this is using statistical weights for the different groups of labelers. On measurement, she described how aspects of the labeling interface like question wording, order, and format can significantly impact the quality of labels, which then impacts the trained model performance. Through an experiment, she demonstrated the importance of carefully designing labeling instruments akin to survey design principles. The Q&A covered topics like using sentiment analysis instead of binary labels, accounting for survey fatigue, leveraging existing survey data for model training, and concerns around cultural biases embedded in LLMs trained primarily on data from western, rich countries. Overall, Stephanie made a strong case for interdisciplinary collaboration between the survey research and AI/ML communities to improve training data quality and develop more accurate, unbiased AI models aligned with human values.
Description: From 15 to 16 April, FAO organized a workshop in Rome to convene key national stakeholders to introduce them to the ASTI methodology and procedures as well as initiate dialogues between national agricultural research institutes (NARIs) and national statistical offices (NSOs). These dialogues aim to unveil and present the new data collection approach while deliberating on and exploring strategies for effective integration of ASTI into National Statistical System (NSS) mechanisms, a crucial step for providing collecting agencies with a clear mandate, ensuring quality, and official validation of the data.
Description: Under the Data For Now initiative, a knowledge exchange event was organized between Ghana Statistical Services and Statistics Sierra Leone on marine litter data and citizen science, in Accra from 2-3 November 2023. The meeting was hosted by SDSN TReNDS, the Ghana Statistical Services and the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency. The knowledge exchange event is to foster collaborative learning by sharing experiences, lessons learned, challenges and opportunities for collecting marine litter data with a special focus on harnessing citizen science data. The exchange aims to explore sustainable strategies, for expanding data collection efforts and enhancing cross-country cooperation within the Data For Now Initiative. UNSD presented its work around the Collaborative on Citizen Data.
Description: The main goal of the workshop is to assist the participants to gain better understanding of the concepts and definitions set out in the Frascati Manual 2015; Oslo Manual 2018, Guidelines for Collecting, Reporting and Using Data on Innovation, 4th Edition; and share best country and international practices, including STI indicators, statistics, and analyses.
Source: ESCAP SIAP (Data extracted on: 07 Dec 2023 )
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Organizer(s): ESCAP SIAP UNIDO
Description: Inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) is a primary source of income generationallows for rapid and sustained increases in living standards of peopleand provides technological solutions for an environmentally sound development. ISID is an integral part of the SDGsparticularly SDG 9which focuses on industryinnovation and infrastructure. Promoting inclusive and sustainable industries and continuing to invest in physical infrastructureinnovation and research are vital to long-term economic development. Furthermoreindustrialization not only contributes to economic growth and infrastructure upgradingbut can also directly and indirectly support the achievement of the SDGs’ socio-economic and environmental objectives through the creation of jobsimprovements in working conditionsinnovationand the development of new and greener production technologies. In addition to SDG 9all other SDGs incorporate some industry-related aspects and targets.
Source: Eurostat (Data extracted on: 19 May 2023 )
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Organizer(s): Eurostat
Description: Are you interested in human resources in science, technology and research? Would you like to know more about women’s participation in these sectors? Would you like to see how European countries compare in terms of gender balance? Let us have a look at Eurostat’s figures on science and technology in order to explore questions like: How do women fare compared to men in terms of educational background? What is their share in employment in science and technology? How are women represented among scientists and engineers in various economic sectors? How many women researchers do we have in the EU as compared to men?
Organizer(s): SESRIC DOSM Malaysia Economic Cooperation Organization
Description: Within the framework of its Statistical Capacity Building (StatCaB) Programme, SESRIC will organise an Online Training Course on ‘SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) Indicators’ in collaboration with the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) for the benefit of National Statistical Offices (NSOs) of OIC countries on 1-3 November 2022. Ms. Syafawati Abdul Refai and Ms. Nur Atikah Binti Abdul Aziz, statisticians at the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), and Ms. Syuhada Asri, Director at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), will conduct the course and cover the following topics: Increase Access to Financial Services and Markets 9.3.1 – Proportion of small-scale industries in total industry value added 9.3.2 – Proportion of small-scale industries with a loan or line of credit Develop Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructures 9.1.1 – Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road 9.1.2 – Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport Facilitate Sustainable Infrastructure Development for Developing Countries 9.a.1 – Total official international support Universal Access to Information and Communications Technology 9.c.1 – Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology Enhance Research and Upgrade Industrial Technologies 9.5.1 – Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization 9.2.1 – Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita 9.2.2 – Manufacturing employment as a proportion of total employment The SESRIC StatCaB Programme was initiated in early 2007. It is the flagship capacity development programme of SESRIC. Within the framework of StatCaB Programme, the Centre collects information from the NSOs of OIC member countries through the biennial StatCaB Questionnaire, assesses their statistical training needs and capacities, matches these needs and capacities, and organizes statistical capacity development activities between the beneficiary and provider countries. For more information on SESRIC Statistical Capacity Building (StatCaB) Programme, please visit: http://www.oicstatcom.org/statcab.php
Description: The event will showcase the innovative work of FAO and its partners to understand the interlinked challenges facing forests and forest-proximate peoples worldwide.
Description: The Working Party of National Experts on Science and Technology Indicators (NESTI) is in charge of monitoring, supervising, and co-ordinating statistical work on science, technology and innovation (STI), contributing to the development of indicators and quantitative analyses needed to meet the requirements and priorities of the Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy. NESTI is one of the longest serving working groups of the OECD, with its existence pre-dating the creation of the OECD in 1962 when experts from several countries met to agree on standards on the measurement of research and development (R&D). This subsequently led to the first edition of the OECD Frascati Manual in 1962.The 2015 edition was launched by the OECD Secretary General at the meeting of science and innovation ministers held in Daejeon, Korea.
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Working Party of National Experts on Science and Technology Indicators (NESTI)
Description: The Working Party of National Experts on Science and Technology Indicators (NESTI) is in charge of monitoring, supervising, and co-ordinating statistical work on science, technology and innovation (STI), contributing to the development of indicators and quantitative analyses needed to meet the requirements and priorities of the Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy. NESTI is one of the longest serving working groups of the OECD, with its existence pre-dating the creation of the OECD in 1962 when experts from several countries met to agree on standards on the measurement of research and development (R&D). This subsequently led to the first edition of the OECD Frascati Manual in 1962.The 2015 edition was launched by the OECD Secretary General at the meeting of science and innovation ministers held in Daejeon, Korea.
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Working Party of National Experts on Science and Technology Indicators (NESTI)
Description: The Working Party of National Experts on Science and Technology Indicators (NESTI) is in charge of monitoring, supervising, and co-ordinating statistical work on science, technology and innovation (STI), contributing to the development of indicators and quantitative analyses needed to meet the requirements and priorities of the Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy. NESTI is one of the longest serving working groups of the OECD, with its existence pre-dating the creation of the OECD in 1962 when experts from several countries met to agree on standards on the measurement of research and development (R&D). This subsequently led to the first edition of the OECD Frascati Manual in 1962.The 2015 edition was launched by the OECD Secretary General at the meeting of science and innovation ministers held in Daejeon, Korea.
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Building a Sample Frame of SMEs Using Patent, Search Engine, and Website Data
Description: This research outlines the process of building a sample frame of US SMEs. The method starts with a list of patenting organizations and defines the boundaries of the population and subsequent frame using free to low-cost data sources, including search engines and websites. Generating high-quality data is of key importance throughout the process of building the frame and subsequent data collection; at the same time, there is too much data to curate by hand. Consequently, we turn to machine learning and other computational methods to apply a number of data matching, filtering, and cleaning routines. The results show that it is possible to generate a sample frame of innovative SMEs with reasonable accuracy for use in subsequent research: Our method provides data for 79% of the frame. We discuss implications for future work for researchers and NSIs alike and contend that the challenges associated with big data collections require not only new skillsets but also a new mode of collaboration.
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Original webpage was deleted, archived version from the Internet Archive (not a UN service): Link
Description: A single most difficult task of a science journal editor is to identify, nurture, and retain talented science writers and reviewers, who could masterfully creatively communicate to science to peers and general audience. The objective of the course is to provide tools and resources to stellar students, young promising researchers, and seasoned scientists and practitioners in developing and honing their skills in technical writing, manuscript reviewing and editing. This course aims to demystify the editorial process and demonstrate a strong training potential of offering constructive feedback to peers and engaging in science communication at all stages of the research and practice endeavours. For the early career researchers and practitioners, this course will help to find their voices and establish their independent paths. For authors with limited publishing and reviewing experience this course will help to build skills, find their voices, and instil self-confidence and self-worth. For senior authors, this course will offer paths to share their knowledge and wisdom. For ISI members (and not yet members), this course will illustrate a broad range of publications supported by ISI’s societies and highlight opportunities and available resources. Effective communication of science is the essence of humankind’s progress in the 21st Century.
Target Audience: Junior practitioners and researchers, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students interested in improving manuscripts for submission for top international journals. Senior or mid-career practitioners and researchers interested in workforce development and improving reviewer’s skills for top international journals and setting up Special Issues for top international journals in statistics and related disciplines.
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Original webpage was deleted, archived version from the Internet Archive (not a UN service): Link
Description: Within its recently initiated Webinar Series on Statistical Experience Sharing, SESRIC will organise a webinar on “Innovation Statistics” on 21 January 2021 in collaboration with the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) with the participation of official statisticians working in National Statistical Offices of the OIC countries. This webinar will cover the following topics related to innovation statistics: Overview and legal basis Methodological basis Classifications Concepts and definitions Coverage, periods and statistical units Sampling Method Data collection The webinar will be conducted through a video conferencing platform by following synchronous learning and instruction approaches designed in line with the virtual training solutions undertaken by SESRIC in order to better serve the Centre’s training activities and keep participants motivated and engaged during this time of global crisis due to COVID-19.
Description: Within its recently initiated Webinar Series on Statistical Experience Sharing, SESRIC will organise a webinar on “Research and Experimental Development (R&D) Statistics” on 7 January 2021 in collaboration with the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) with the participation of official statisticians working in National Statistical Offices of the OIC countries. This webinar will cover the following topics related to R&D statistics: Overview and legal basis Methodological basis Coverage and data collection Concept and definition Activities to be excluded from R&D Questionnaires (for BES, GOVERD and HES) Measurement and analysis Dissemination The webinar will be conducted through a video conferencing platform by following synchronous learning and instruction approaches designed in line with the virtual training solutions undertaken by SESRIC in order to better serve the Centre’s training activities and keep participants motivated and engaged during this time of global crisis due to COVID-19. Documents: Concept Note (English)