The measurement of progress

2009 annual conference of the Statistics User Forum

This conference took place on 19 November 2009.

Details of the programme, speakers and presentations are available from the links under "Conference Information".

About the Statistics User Forum conference

The world is changing. The financial crisis has shown that the gains from an excessive focus on debt-fuelled economic growth were short-lived and failed to deliver a sustainable increase in well-being. The pursuit of ever larger economies led to environmental degradation and global imbalances rather than a reduction in poverty, an increase in social justice or a happier society. Post-recession, leaders and their electorates will strive for a greater focus on sustainability to ensure that future gains will be longer-lasting. But what will be the new goals and how will progress towards them be monitored?

This major conference in London, sponsored by the Royal Statistical Society's Statistics User Forum, will bring together leading players, from the UK and overseas, to discuss "The measurement of progress".

The conference will hear from representatives of the Sarkozy Commission that reported in September and the OECD-led Global Project on measuring progress. British government statisticians will outline their plans and producers of other data will present their innovations. The conference will look at the national picture and consider what data local communities can get their hands on to inform decision-making.  

The original aim of the Royal Statistical Society when it was formed 175 years ago was "the collection and classification of all facts illustrative of the present condition and prospects of society". This conference will showcase the new wave of pioneers mapping out society for the next generation and highlight the statistical issues that need to be addressed.

The conference will appeal to a broad audience: statisticians and non-statisticians working in think tanks, central and local government and community groups, and those interested in setting the policy agenda and influencing public debate in the years ahead.