Microsoft, LinkedIn and others pledge to share data for societal challenges

Seven companies – GitHub, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Northumbrian Water Group, R2 Factory and UK Power Networks – have committed to making their data more open to help solve pressing societal challenges.

The newly formed Industry Data for Society Partnership (IDSP) is described as a “first-of-its-kind” cross-sector programme to use data to tackle issues such as the climate crisis and the need for inclusive economic growth.

The initiative could particularly benefit cities, which are increasingly stressing the need for both public and private datasets to achieve their goals.

City challenge

In early 2023, IDSP will launch a Data for Local Environments Challenge focused on how cities, counties and municipalities can use publicly available datasets and datasets shared or curated by the private sector to generate insights and solutions.

The launch of IDSP aims to build on advances made during the pandemic to leverage data in new, collaborative ways to speed up progress and share information with the public.

Members are committing to: provide open data or greater access to data “where appropriate”; share knowledge and information for the effective use of open data; invest in upskilling programmes so more people can use data; and protect individuals’ privacy in all these activities.

Partnership affiliates, including The GovLab’s Data Program based at New York University and the Open Data Institute, will provide additional expertise and guidance.

Exponential return

Several of the participating organisations have already shared data for societal purposes such as tracking disease, boosting agriculture in developing countries, improving water quality, achieving net zero goals faster, and addressing skills needs.

Stefaan G. Verhulst, Co-Founder of The GovLab and Director of its Data Program, commented: “One important lesson we’ve learned about using data for good is the importance of collaboration and partnerships. There is an exponential return when organisations align their goals and pool their data resources and expertise. Collaboration also improves trust in how data is handled, as well as the legitimacy of the projects initiated.

“In other words, data partnerships are critical to unlocking data’s potential for societal benefit while limiting its risks and potential harm.”