The term “data collaborative” refers to a new form of collaboration, beyond the public–private partnership model, in which participants from different sectors , in particular companies in the private sector, exchange their data to create public value. In this sense, data collaboratives are emerging as a powerful tool to enable data flows and unleash the full potential of data in addressing societal challenges. However, designing and implementing effective data collaboratives can be complex and challenging.

To address this need, The GovLab and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) have developed a new practical tool: Facilitating Data Flows through Data Collaboratives: A Practical Guide to Designing Valuable, Accessible, and Responsible Data Collaboratives. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key considerations and steps involved in designing and operationalizing data collaboratives. The guide is divided into two parts:

Key Recommendations for Decision-Makers

This section provides seven recommendations for decision-makers at government and policy levels seeking to create an enabling environment for data collaboratives:

1. Establish clear governance principles to foster impactful collaborations.
2. Develop comprehensive governance frameworks.
3. Cultivate data stewardship capabilities.
4. Invest in robust data infrastructure and standards capacities.
5. Foster a widespread data culture through leadership.
6. Focus on building sustainable governance processes.
7. Cultivate a social license for data (re)use projects.

Practical Steps for Practitioners

For on-the-ground implementation, this section outlines five steps for practitioners (i.e. data stewards) seeking to establish data collaboratives:

1. Define the need to address a problem with a data collaborative.
2. Define the supply of data needed.
3. Define the value proposition behind data access and re-use.
4. Match demand and supply.
5. Design a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework to measure impact.

The guide also includes worksheets to help decision-makers and practitioners sketch out the enabling environment considerations and establish criteria towards data collaboratives, providing actionable guidance on creating an environment conducive to Data Collaboratives.

The guide can be used by a variety of stakeholders, including government officials responsible for developing and implementing data policies and regulations, data stewards in public or private organizations, researchers, civil society organizations and other stakeholders working to promote responsible and ethical data use.

As data becomes a critical asset, a systematic approach to fostering collaboration is needed. Our guide provides an actionable framework for decision-makers and practitioners to harness the full potential of data for public good.

To learn more and download the publication please click here.

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