Speaker
Description
This paper discusses the role of performance metrics in the safeguards system, including as drivers for improving effectiveness and efficiency of safeguards and the productivity of collaboration between the IAEA and facility operators. The IAEA continues to seek ways to increase productivity and efficiency in implementing safeguards agreements, while preserving effectiveness and independence. To do this, the Agency’s must be able both to plan for implementation of effective safeguards and to evaluate whether effectiveness goals have been achieved. Particularly in the context of state-level planning and evaluation, this raises questions of 1) how to evaluate the technical effectiveness of its verification efforts in a way that is driven by technical objectives rather than prescriptive criteria, and 2) how to optimize resource allocation in ways that are accepted as objective and non-discriminatory. Performance metrics that make the logical connection between the frequency and intensity of safeguards activities and the attainment of safeguards objectives could also improve transparency and understanding of safeguards implementation, reduce concerns over discrimination, and provide indicators of performance trends that help maintain and even strengthen effectiveness over time.
This paper will argue for the use of performance metrics and the establishment of performance targets that clearly link safeguards actions to safeguards objectives, such as probability of timely detection of diversion and/or misuse. The paper will also touch on the challenge of developing metrics for effectiveness in detecting undeclared activities in the State as a whole, which cannot be quantified in the same way. Such metrics could focus on a “due diligence” approach to finding and following up on indicators of possible undeclared activities and maintaining an up-to-date understanding of the state’s nuclear capabilities.
Theme 4: Shaping the Future of Safeguards Implementation
Topic 1: Finding efficient approaches to safeguards implementation
through innovation and cooperation
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| Which "Key Question" does your Abstract address? | SGI1.1 |
