1. Virtual Statistical System Misha Belkindas Development Data Group World Bank June 2008

2. Overview • Background • Objectives • Proposed approach • Activities and responsibilities • Timeline • Resource requirement • Discussion points

3. Background • Modern technology, esp. internet and websites, can play an important role in disseminating relevant knowledge for statistical development • World Bank originally proposed the development of a Virtual Statistical System • The word “virtual” refers to a situation where one can visit organizations and meet people – who are not real but displays the qualities of being real - who can provide relevant information

4. Background – cont’d • PARIS21 Task Team on the Virtual Statistical System was formed for VSS development • TT Comprises representatives of the Central Statistical Office of India, the Development Gateway Foundation, the Federal Statistical Office Germany, EUROSTAT, Ghana Statistical Services, the International Monetary Fund, PARIS21, the United Nations Statistics Division, and the World Bank • TT held its first meeting in March 2008 in Washington, DC to prepare a project proposal

5. Objectives • WHAT: VSS will be a knowledge center that takes into account the information needs of different user types and will focus on the development of statistical systems • WHY: VSS will be a tool that supports the preparation and implementation of NSDS and national efforts to design, build and maintain national statistical systems • HOW: VSS will be implemented through a user-friendly IT platform that provides standardized and structured information

6. Proposed approach • A portal will be created to serve as an entry point for accessing VSS content • VSS content will be categorized into: • Activities (based on processes of production, dissemination and use of statistics) • Themes (based on the perspectives of thematically oriented users) • The portal will be constructed based on a modular approach (a harmonized set of information)

7. Proposed approach – cont’d • User interface will include interactive functions that will facilitate the retrieval of information • Language issues: • English will be the primary language • Reference materials will be available in the original languages • Content can optionally be translated into 6 UN languages

8. How will it look like?

10. Activities and responsibilities The project will be developed in three phases: • Phase 1: Preparation of proposal • Phase 2: Development of portal • Phase 2A: completion of website structure • Phase 2B: development of websites • Phase 2C: creation of pilot modules • Phase 2D: provision of basic content • Phase 2E: completion of modules • Phase 3: Maintenance of portal

11. Activities and responsibilities

12. Timeline

13. Resource requirement Human resources required: • A project coordinator based at WB • A consultant supporting the coordinator • A web developer • Content coordinators who will oversee the content development of a specific domain • A review group who will review the materials developed for specific domains • Content providers who will contribute to the content

14. Resource requirement Financial resources required: • The cost estimate is US$430,000, which includes consultant fees for the website development, management, coordination, evaluation, and promotion and marketing • US$80,000 has already been made available for website testing with potential users • Additional US$350,000 will be required for the development phase

15. Discussion points • Does the Committee agree on the proposed work plan of the Virtual Statistical System Task Team? • Does the Committee agree to allocate the required resources (US$350,000)?