Collaboration between national statistical offices and academia: Benefits, conditions, areas of collaboration and practical level experience in countries

Abstract

National statistical offices (NSOs) and academia benefit from establishing partnerships and collaborating in different ways by bringing together their respective expertise. Collaborative alliances of this nature appear to offer numerous advantages for both the partners and the public and seem to be essential for unlocking opportunities within the evolving data ecosystem. Establishing good and fruitful collaboration between academia and NSOs requires a collaborative environment where each partner can see the benefits of the collaboration and how they could contribute. Different areas of collaboration are presented within four categories: education and learning, research, promotion of data use in society and providing services to each other. The article further discusses the benefits and conditions of a successful partnership. Examples from Brazil, Colombia, Ghana, and Norway showcase practical-level experiences and some lessons learned at the country level.