SHARING DATA: Lessons from IOM’s Data Sharing Mechanism in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

1. UNECE Regional Workshop on international migration statistics Geneva, 4 – 6 December 2007 SHARING DATA: Lessons from IOM’s Data Sharing Mechanism in Eastern Europe and Central Asia Jobst Koehler Research Officer, IOM

2. Why sharing data? • Challenges to obtain data for migration management: • different levels of development in infrastructure • different practices of data collection • different understanding of migration-related data • variation in human and financial capacities • There is a need for a “bottom-up” approach

3. Sharing data: What’s is in a name? • Data-sharing is a « bottom-up » process to improve data that is : • Democratic • States determine own indicator • Flexible • States determine own pace • Simple • Share available data • No major financial investments • Convergence rather than uniformity is the aim.

4. IOM and International Data-Sharing • IOM assisted data-sharing processes in different regions: • Statistical Information System on Migration in Mesoamerica (SIEMMES) • Caribbean Community (CARICOM): Collection and Sharing of Migration-Related Data in the Caribbean • But most relevant for meetg: • Data-Sharing Mechanism (DSM))inEastern Europe and Central Asia /The Programme for the Creation of a General Model for Collection, Application and Sharing of Migration-Related Data (“General Model)

5. “General Model”: What is it? IOM Research An approach to data managementat national and regional level (applicable to any region) that is based on the premise that: • Level of development in migration data management varies • Certain data exists but is not shared within and between states • Producers and users should be connected. Dual track approach at the national and regional level is needed.

6. “General Model”: how does it work? IOM Publications Main elements at the national level: • Establishing a network of core institutions • Mapping out existing national statistical infrastructure • Establish an agreed minimum set of 5-10 aggregated overall data indicators plus documentation

7. “General Model”: how does it work? Organization • Main elements at the regional level: • Efficient electronic exchange mechanism • Organizing regional workshops • Addressing national needs through training modules

8. Applying the General Model: DSM in EECA DSM was a pilot test of the Programme for the Creation of a General Model for Collection, Application and Sharing of Migration-related Data, developed at IOM-OSCE workshop at Prague, 2002 Ended in 2006 Funding :OSCE-ODIHR, Danish Government, IOM and PRM Consistent Participants: Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Kazakhstan Publication: “Sharing Data: Where to Start”, edited by Folden, Manke and Mortensen www.dsm.net

9. Lessons from DSM: “Know your Counterpart” Potential New Areas of Research Creating a national network of institutions producing migration data: • Choose a focal point from each agency and ensure continuity in the event of staff rotation • Nominate a national coordinator and contact point for international inquiries • Link data producers and users in a single national network • Legislative framework to make network sustainable

10. Lessons from DSM: “Work with your counterpart” Training Objectives • Establishing an Inter-Ministerial Working Group (IMWG) to prioritize activities: • Include decision-makers • Create a clear structure and mandate for • IMWG

11. Lessons from DSM: “Know Your Data” Training Outputs • Mapping out existing infrastructure (sources and types of data) • Make meta-data simple and comprehensive for policy-makers

12. Lessons from DSM: “Know your Needs” • Identify the national demand for indicators • Prioritize and agree on a minimal set of statistical indicators Provides the basis for regular reporting

13. Lessons from DSM: “Know your Gaps” Tools IT and Workflow assessment of the different stages of data management: • Collection • Storage • Aggregation • Dissemination Targeted IT upgrading.

14. Lessons from DSM: “Know your Skills” Tools • Training and “Train the Trainer” courses • Encourage the process of self-learning through e-learning • Raise training capacities of government officials

15. Interstate Exchange and Regional Dialogue Tools Data Base and Web Portal (DSM) is unique: • New software created for the end-user after the review of ten regional based databases. • DSM allows for several data-collection methods: through focal points or user-prompt mode, on paper; or via Excel charts. • More than just data, a tool for policy and legal exchange (e-library). • Hierarchical data access ensures data ownership

16. Interstate Exchange and Regional Dialogue Tools Regional Dialogue: • Technical meetings • Thematic meetings • Study Tours Interstate Exchange and Regional Dialogue

17. DSM in comparative perspective Tools Interstate Exchange and Regional Dialogue

18. DSM in comparative perspective Tools Interstate Exchange and Regional Dialogue

19. Conclusion: how to make data-sharing effective? Tools Data-sharing is particularly an effective tool when: • resources are limited and vary among states • Some data exists Conditions for success: • Data-sharing process needs to be integrated in the administrative structure • Commitment at the State’s decision-making level Interstate Exchange and Regional Dialogue