The Highways and Side Roads of Statistical Capacity Building

This paper proposes an approach to guide statistical capacity building in developing countries using an analysis based on components of the World Bank’s Statistical Performance Indicator on a sample of 215 countries. The approach demonstrates the importance of expanding traditional capacity-building activities to include programs to strengthen and better monitor the ability of National Statistical Systems (NSS) to respond to user data needs. Based on this analysis, the paper recommends a two-step strategy for building and enhancing the statistical capacity of national statistical systems in developing countries. The strategy creates a sustainable trajectory for developing NSSs that meets the growing demands of local and global data users. The paper emphasizes the importance of donor coordination and South-South learning initiatives for international capacity-building efforts.