Statistical Capacity Development Outlook 2019

31.03.2019

The data demands of the SDGs are requiring countries to ramp up capacity within their national statistical systems. The Statistical Capacity Development Outlook, PARIS21's Flagship Report, provides an overview of current trends, challenges and emerging approaches in statistical capacity development. The Outlook, accompanied by an online Statistical Capacity Monitor, is also intended to play a role in guiding future efforts to develop capacity within and across national statistical systems and to support co-ordination efforts among donors.

A first comprehensive look at the state of statistical capacity in developing countries

Download Flagship 2019

PARIS21's inaugural Flagship Report, the Statistical Capacity Development Outlook 2019, outlines statistical capacity across four areas:

Overview of the current state of statistical capacity
Recent trends in statistical capacity development
A revised approach to assessing statistical capacity
in the new data ecosystem
Developing capacity for the more effective use of statistics

Key Highlights

Background

The data demands of the SDGs require countries to ramp up capacity within their national statistical systems
32% of countries think that individual capabilities need to be improved to respond to challenges posed by the new data ecosystem, while only 2% of assessed capabilities in statistics target the individual

Evolving definition of capacity

The evolving data landscape is requiring capacity development to move beyond planning and production to include data use and soft skills
Leadership, Management and communication skills are increasingly important across statistical organisations
Only 50% of national statistical offices in the lower-middle statistical capacity level monitor the use of their data
Countries increased data use in policy documents by 14% globally, but more needs to be done to promote data use in policy decisions

Mismatch of donor support and country needs

The results-based framework of development partners has produced supply-driven approaches that do not always match the capacity needs of countries
Countries feel little ownership over capacity programmes, with over 60% of African NSOs reporting that programmes do not meet their needs

Co-ordination and planning is key

Financial and technical support needs to be sufficient, sustainable and progressive for countries to fully benefit
For funding to statistics to be effective, USD 10 per capita over 10 years is needed and should prioritise poor and lower capacity countries.
Countries need to prioritise the holistic development of their statistical systems: In 2018, 129 countries were implementing a comprehensive national statistical plan, up from 102 in 2017