Abstract
This paper proposes a comprehensive strategic framework for fostering and enhancing collaboration between Eurostat and the academic community. Acknowledging the vital role of academic institutions in driving innovation, methodological rigour, and advanced research capabilities, this strategy aligns with the European Statistical Governance Advisory Board (ESGAB) recommendation to organise academic outreach within a cohesive framework. Building on legislative framework, including Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 and the European Statistics Code of Practice (CoP), this approach identifies four foundational pillars: Skills and Education, Innovation and Methodology, Research, and Communication. These pillars are designed to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem that promotes the exchange of knowledge, supports the development of cutting-edge statistical methods, and enhances data quality and accessibility. The paper also reviews current collaborative efforts between Eurostat, National Statistical Institutes (NSIs), and academia, highlighting exemplary practices and innovative partnerships. The paper concludes by highlighting the expected impacts of enhanced Eurostat-academia collaboration and outlining future perspectives. Originally developed to support Eurostat’s strategy discussions and presented at New Techniques and Technologies for Statistics (NTTS) 2025 conference, the framework is offered as a transferable blueprint; while formal adoption is pending, we detail adoption pathways, preconditions, and evaluation metrics.
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