Special Seminar Presentation: Evolution of National Statistical Systems

Abstract:   The talk will focus on the evolution of national statistical systems since the end of World War 2. It will discuss the major influences such as technology; statistical methods especially sample surveys; international standards; capacity building in developing countries; and the greatly increased range of users of national statistics. The last point is particularly important. It has caused a huge change in the services provided by National Statistical Offices and an increased demand for detailed data, including microdata, to support research and analysis. The presentation will finish with a summary of some of the major challenges facing National Statistical Offices in the future.