/ EUROPEAN COMMISSION
EUROSTAT
Directorate A: Statistical information systems; research and data analysis; technical cooperation with Phare and Tacis countries
Unit A-1: Computerised management of information systems /

Eurostat/A1/ITSC/mandate/ITSC
14/02/01

Mandate of the IT Steering Committee

1.Subject area covered

The IT Steering Committee tackles topics related to the following themes of the statistical programme:

13Electronic Data Processing

14Information Technologies

15Reference Databases

22Statistical Research (computer related issues)

25Data security and statistical confidentiality (the data security part)

2.Objectives

The main objective is to improve cooperation between Eurostat and National Statistical Institutes by creating forum where:

  • general discussions on issues linked to the IT part of the European Statistical System can be held;
  • exchange of experience, good practices in the management of information technologies can take place;
  • strategic decisions for the launching of new actions in the area of IT and the definition of the priorities can be prepared;

It makes it possible to have a global view on all IT issues which concern ESS, all the users needs included.

3.Tasks, functions and outputs

More precisely, the committee carries out the following functions.

  1. Analysis of the current and future needs in IT within the ESS.
  2. Evaluation and discussion of strategic plans and priorities in the area of IT.
  3. Production of regular reports and proposals to the SPC for the evolution of IT within the ESS.

4.a.Orientation and coordination of the work of the following working parties :
- STNE
- R&D (EPROS)
- Metadata and reference data bases.

4.b.Definition and creation of temporary Task Forces under the WPs to respond to Eurostat's proposals.

  1. Exchange of best practice, know-how and information system technology issues.

4.Frequency

The committee meets at least once a year, where necessary, prepared by a network group which communicates through CIRCA on the issues proposed in the agenda.

5.Representation

Each Member State of the E.U., of the EFTA and candidates countries are represented by a high level official. The representative is in a position to commit his organisation on strategic issues, to define priorities and to supervise the work of the representatives of his country in the 3 subsidiary working groups.

1