Abstract

The Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) program—recognized globally for over two decades as a leading source of agricultural research data—is undergoing a strategic transition from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This shift aims to strengthen the long-term sustainability, comparability, and national ownership of agricultural R&D data. As part of this transition, ASTI’s operational model has been comprehensively redesigned, including its integration into national statistical systems to improve data quality, institutional sustainability, and global reporting through official channels. At the global level, new guidelines for developing ASTI statistics have been formulated and proposed for endorsement by the United Nations Statistical Commission, marking a significant step toward the international harmonization of agricultural R&D indicators.

This paper presents a case study led by FAO that illustrates the transformation of a non-official data initiative into a harmonized and sustainable official statistic. The case offers practical insights into the challenges of coordination, capacity building, and methodological alignment, and highlights the essential role of international organizations in supporting national institutionalization efforts. It also emphasizes the importance of inclusive, consensus-driven processes to foster trust, promote policy-relevant data use, and embed statistical initiatives within formal statistical frameworks. Ultimately, the study reinforces the broader argument that the true value of statistics—as global public goods—lies in the trust, collaboration, and shared ownership they generate, much of which remains underseen but is fundamental to their long-term impact.