Thread by @TheGovLab

@sverhulst is at #UNHQ today for the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. In a few moments, he’ll be sharing GovLab’s experiences for a panel on how #bigdata can contribute to the follow-up on the #2030Agenda. Stay tuned! #HLPF2019

And we’re staring! Excited to hear how new data sources can inform official statistics for #SDGs

Director General Yusuf Murangwa discusses how Rwanda used #bigdata to improve its understand of the economy and agriculture.

Stefaan introduces the concept of #datacollaboratives, cross-sector data-sharing partnerships for creating public good. Find out more at datacollaboratives.org

What is the value of #datacollaboratives?
1. Boosts situational analysis in scope, granularity and speed;
2. Improves understanding of cause and effect;
3. Enables better prediction based on past patterns;
4. Allows for faster, near-instant impact assessments

What are the challenges?

1. Work is interdisciplinary.
2. Trust. It won’t work if there is no trust among the partners.
3. Huge transaction costs. It isn’t cheap in time, energy, and money and is difficult to keep sustainable.

.@UNGlobalPulse’s Robert Kirkpatrick reviews how #bigdata can augment official statistics as well as manage risks. One challenge is data misuse. The other is missed use, the cost of not acting.

He echoes .@sverhulst. It is possible to use #bigdata to produce the statistics that government is already creating to solve real problems. Once the ethical framework is in place, question is how we get corporations competing to produce the best statistics for gov

UNICEF Rep: “We produce data to make a difference, to make a change that will help people. If it’s good enough for that then it’s good enough for me.”

A panelist argues this discussion “not only data, but a community of experts. If you give a community a dataset, they really have to know what to do with it.” Discusses the role of partnership to help those with underdeveloped statistical expertise.

We turn to Q&A. Guest from Finland argues we need a new form of diplomacy. We need people who understand #bigdata issues are working with officials to ensure they can employ and integrate data into their processes. Only when data flows can we improve our world.

Q2. How can we generalize data model and use it in an educational perspective. How can we transfer this system to developing countries?

A. Need for regional hubs to build capacity in countries. Need for greater training that reinforces that #bigdata and stats go together

Stefaan talks about he importance of translating knowledge to action. We need to train entrepreneurs. Otherwise, the result of our policies will ultimately be limited.

Also addresses education. Need to radically transform what we teach, including asking better questions about what we can do with data. For more info, check out the100questions.org. #The100Questions

Robert Kirkpatrick says the new ways to use data for good is attracting a new generation of statisticians. People want to do interesting work.

Challenge is the work needs to be used and policy makers need to understand data matters. Also need to take care of ppl displaced

A panelist raises that while the potential for good is enormous, the potential for abuse is also enormous. Need safeguard to protect children and the vulnerable

Q3. Raises importance of diversity and representation in data science. How can we foster representation?

Also asks how we can make data more understandable to a wider audience.

Stefaan says that in terms of education, the question is how deep you want to go. Calls attention to .@ReaktorNow and University of Helsinki‘s “Elements of AI” course in Finland as an example of teaching complex topics to a wide audience.

Q4. How good is the data that is being used? If the data is not good enough or inform us in a reliable manner to meet #SDGs, then we need to change course urgently.

Panelist responds: Data varies a lot. Some use well, others do not, and many are in the middle.

Expresses concern the pressure to report internationally has overshadowed push for realizing #SDGs. Push for data should be a push for development to go as fast as possible.

Others agree and argue question about quality shows how sophisticated discussion has become.

Annnnd that’s a wrap. Thanks to all those who followed along. We are excited to see how the conversation on #bigdata develops.