90 likes | 192 Views
Katherine K. Wallman and Kenneth Prewitt OECD World Forum on Key Indicators Palermo, 10 – 13 November 2004. United States: Informing Public Discourse through an Indicators System. Indicator: a statistical measure that tracks change over time.
E N D
Katherine K. Wallman and Kenneth Prewitt OECD World Forum on Key Indicators Palermo, 10 – 13 November 2004 United States: Informing Public Discourse through an Indicators System
Indicator: a statistical measure that tracks change over time. Many indicator systems exist today in the United States. However, the KNII seeks to be a broad-based, comprehensive indicator system that integrates key topic areas into a single system that aggregates, organizes, and disseminates information. Indicators in the United States
Constant tension between critical choices and limited resources. Growing interconnectedness of issues at all levels—local, national, international. Increasing demand for high quality, understandable, accessible information to inform decisions. Evolving technology improves feasibility of a national system. Why now?
Builds on current practice. Uses a comprehensive framework. Engages the public. Establishes criteria for indicator selection. Develops quality controls. Assesses a variety of data sources. Ensures accessibility to the widest range of users. Key features of the KNII
The Framework and Topic Areas THE ECONOMY Employment Consumption Productivity Infrastructure Money Business Government THE PEOPLE Health Shelter Education Safety Families Civic Engagement Culture THE ENVIRONMENTLand Water Air Ecosystems
Selecting the indicator set. Determining levels of geographic and demographic detail. Balancing constancy and innovation—deciding when to change, delete, or add indicators. Challenges to meet
Meeting the needs of a wide constituency of users, while remaining selective. Measuring trends and progress, while refraining from setting goals. Maintaining relevance and objectivity, while keeping KNII apolitical. Tensions that will remain
Conduct quality workshop. Involve experts to develop initial set of indicators. Test and offer prototype to the public. Activities planned for 2005
What is asked of the public? What is owed to the public? The Social Contract