‘Statistics, a Pillar of Democracy’ Event‘Statistics, a Pillar of Democracy’ Event

Yesterday, the Minister Alícia Romero opened the event ‘Statistics, a Pillar of Democracy’ at Palau Robert in Barcelona, presenting Idescat’s new strategic phase based on innovation, artificial intelligence and big data.

The event was attended by Elena Manzanera, President of the INE; Àlex Costa, Director of Idescat; and Olympia Bover, President of the Catalan Statistic Council.

In his address, the Director of Idescat highlighted the Institute’s role in this new strategic phase as an essential public service and a benchmark in the production of official statistics, as well as a driver of transformation and innovation in the area of data. In this regard, he emphasised the need to evolve methods and sources of information in order to respond to new social and economic challenges. He also stressed the importance of placing data at the service of public administrations, academia, the media and the public.

Costa also underlined the importance of innovation in statistical production, particularly through the promotion of experimental statistics, which makes it possible to analyse emerging phenomena and generate new knowledge. At the same time, he highlighted the incorporation of artificial intelligence both in production processes and in the communication of results, with the aim of improving the efficiency, quality and accessibility of statistical information.

Costa also made special mention of the role of big data as a complementary source to traditional statistics, as it enables a better understanding of complex and dynamic phenomena and supports the advancement towards more timely statistics that are better adapted to changes in the environment.

One of the key initiatives of this new phase of Idescat is the launch of the Datalab service, conceived as a key tool to facilitate secure and efficient access to statistical information for research and the evaluation of public policies. The implementation of this service will follow a model of shared governance with the Catalan Statistic Council, which will play a significant role in its monitoring and will help ensure transparency and alignment with the public interest.

Finally, the Director of Idescat highlighted the intention to strengthen collaboration with the National Statistical Institute (INE), the Directorate General for Artificial Intelligence, Efficiency and Data of the Generalitat de Catalunya, and other statistical and research institutions, both at national and international level, with the aim of leveraging synergies, sharing knowledge and making progress together in an increasingly complex and interconnected environment.