Citation

Habermann H. Ann. Am. Acad. Polit. Soc. Sci. 2010; 631(1): 194-203.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0002716210374014

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A healthy and vigorous program for innovation is fundamental to provide for the nation’s statistical needs. Innovation in federal statistics is a broad-spectrum subject and ranges from the traditional subjects to those less usually considered, such as new approaches to bridging the interface between users and statisticians. Innovation in the federal statistical system is influenced by three forces: the need for more focused and higher-quality innovation, the gap between emerging data visualization and communications technologies, and the maturation of the information technology discipline. This article suggests that there are structural changes that should be made to the current federal statistical system to ensure that innovation is fostered. In particular, a new focus on system-wide research and informatics is needed—a Center for Innovation.