DIME Plenary Meeting 21 February 2011
DIRECTORS of METHODOLOGY
Meeting in Brussels
Charlemagne Building -- Room Jean Durieux
21 February 2011
Chair: Daniel DEFAYS,
Director for Quality, Methodology & Information Systems of Eurostat
09:00 - 09:301. Messages from the Steering Group
Daniel DEFAYS (Eurostat)& Graham JENKINSON (UK)
A one year balance: Main changes in the prospects of the ESS and specific changes affecting DIME work and place.
Since last meeting, Eurostat Vision has become a Joint ESS strategy after thorough debate in the Partnership Group and in the ESSC. DIME is expected take stock of this shift and this point must help clarify the situation and provide an up-to-date picture of the situation. The focus will normally be on ESS INTEGRATION in the perspective of possible contribution by methodology, yet R&D situation may also need clarification. On-going reflection in Governance bodies is also mirrored -at a more operational level - in Eurostat and NSI
09:30 - 10.002. New DIME Mandate and yearly report to ESSC
Francisco FERNANDEZ FERNANDEZ (EUROSTAT)
New DIME mandate is based on preparatory work conducted by DIME and concerns its scope (now focusing more on strategic governance and co-ordination of ESS actors) and working modalities, which now cover a wider range of possibilities. ESSC overwhelmingly supported the proposal with marginal comments and recommendations. DIME work to develop over three pillars for DIME work: Governance and co-ordination of ESS, Strategic advise to ESSC and transparency throughregular formal reporting (multiannual work program/road-map). The proposed report will consist of a summary report to be translated into French and german and a detailed room document, only in English, gathering all main substantive contents
10:00 - 10:153. First steps in the integration of ESS strategic Groups: coordination with ITDG
Rainer MUTHMANN (EUROSTAT)& Piero FALORSI (IT)
In view of the much sought rationalisation of the governance architecture of the ESS, and considering the rising interest among DIME members for clearer articulation of competences, Eurostat is conducting a reflection on possible co-ordination mechanisms document proposed to 2010 ITDG on co-ordination modalities. During its last meeting ITDG, adhered to the idea of better co-ordinating its works with DIME and, partly for that purpose, to set-up a steering group in line with the similar DIME decision. A first step would be the systematic exchange of information and agendas, a reciprocal reporting scheme and, possibly at a later stage, joint steering groups' meetings.
10:15 - 10:45Coffee break
10:45 - 12:004. Standardisation and process integration
4.1 Sponsorship on Standardisation. Main principles and preparatory steps
Wilhelmus KLOEK (EUROSTAT) &Barteld BRAAKSMA(NL)
Up-dating DIME with the progress in the launching of the Sponsorship on Standardisation, following the ESSC mandate, in line with DIME guidance and with strong involvement of the Steering Group. Taking stock of most relevant conclusions of the Sponsorship on Quality, conclusions of the strategic workshop on Standardisation, held in Brussels in October 2010 and further elaboration by Eurostat and its associated group of experts.
4.2 Eurostat in the build-up of a new ESS business process: VIPs vs. ESSnets
Jean Marc MUSEUX (EUROSTAT)& Barteld BRAAKSMA (NL)
Eurostat has launched and is implementing mechanisms to support the development and consolidation of working modalities underpinned by the Vision. Called Vision Infrastructure/Implementation Projects (VIP) they aim at creating the framework conditions for the necessary changes in the statistical production system. Specific aspects, complementarities and possible synergies with other instruments will be briefly presented.
4.3 Role and impact of cross cutting legislation
August Gotzfried (EUROSTAT) & Katalin SZEP (HU)
Inform MS on the real scope and prospects of developments in this sensitive legislative area and collect their first reactions to provide feed-back to Eurostat Senior Management and contribute to the preparation of future discussions on this point at a strategic level.
4.4 Grants to Member States
Information and raising possible interest to participate
12:00 - 13:155. ESSnets strategy and operationalisation
Emilio DI MEGLIO, Jean Marc MUSEUX (EUROSTAT) & Philippe CUNEO (F)
Following the validation of the new ESSnet selection procedure by the ESSC in October 2010, the DIME is requested to review the list of ESSnet projects forecasted for year N+1 in view of:
- the list and status of currently running or recently finished projects
- the assessment of the proposed projects for year N+1 in regards of the evaluation criteria
The list of list of ESSnets to be launched in 2012 is presented to DIME for discussion and validation before submission for final approval to ESSC in May 2011.
13:15 - 14:30Lunch break
14:30 -15:156.R&D strategy
Pascal JACQUES & Anders HOLMBERG (SE
Inform Member States on the stage of development of the 8th FP and the Eurostat intentions regarding developments for research in Official Statistics. The first results of the ongoing study on future research needs in OS will be presented, as well as the role of the NTTS conference and of the CROS portal.
- Study of future research needs in Official Statistics;
- Towards FP8. A roadmap for Statistical research activities;
15:15 - 16:00; 7. Groups under DIME auspices. Overall and specific points on:
Jean Marc MUSEUX (EUROSTAT) Methodology groups Seasonal Adjustments Steering Group (SASG)
- Working Group on Statistical Confidentiality (WGSC)
- DIME Task Force on accuracy
August Gotzfried (EUROSTAT) Metadata groups
- Working Group on Metadata
- SDMX statistical governance and implementation
16:00 - 16:30Coffee break
16:30 - 17:008. Soft aspects of collaboration: Recent changes and feed-back
Francisco FERNANDEZ FERNANDEZ (EUROSTAT) &Francisco HERNANDEZ JIMENEZ (ES)
17.00 - 17.30Summary conclusions and closure of the meeting