Reimagining data as a national asset

Data-sharing is the beating heart of a modern, effective public sector, providing the insights and opportunities needed to create meaningful change. However, despite its potential, the challenges of data-sharing in the public sector are widespread and well-known. Our new report, created in collaboration with the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), and leading academic institutions, explored these barriers to offers specific, practical recommendations.

And the findings are clear: to achieve transformative outcomes, the public sector must stop admiring the problem and act decisively to improve how data is shared and used.

The case for better data-sharing

Data is the lifeblood of public sector operations. It connects departments, informs decision-making, and helps ensure that services are delivered where they are most needed.

In the UK currently around 9.4 million people are economically inactive, an issue exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through building a greater understanding about how and why people become economically inactive, public sector organisations can address the root causes in a more effective way.

By sharing data effectively, public bodies can begin address the complex social issues behind stark figures like these, such as improving job prospects for people with long-term health conditions (like long COVID), linking labour force data with health statistics to help policymakers understand the relationship between chronic illness and economic inactivity.

Similarly, integrating environmental datasets could enhance climate change strategies, and shared crime and mobility data could be used to pinpoint and tackle crime hotspots. These are not abstract possibilities – they are real opportunities that can improve lives through well-informed collaboration.

The case will only grow in the future as other initiatives like the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan give even greater urgency to data-sharing conversations.

Understanding the challenges

Despite its importance and inherent benefits, data-sharing faces significant obstacles. The research shows that many of these challenges fall into two focus areas: people (culture, leadership, skills, trust, and risk) and processes (funding, datasets, legislation, standardisation, and technology).

Perhaps one of the most important challenges is a reluctance to share data across and between departments. Departments often prioritise safeguarding their data over collaboration, driven by concerns about data leakage risks. Data is valuable to departments, and they often opt not to share because of uncertainty around how other departments will handle and use it – in other words, there is a lack of trust. Part of the answer is in openness.

People need reassurance that the data they share will be used and stored ethically and securely, and those receiving data need to be confident in that it’s up to date and high quality. Fragmented budgets compound the problem, making it difficult to fund cross-departmental initiatives.

Furthermore, the quality and accessibility of datasets vary significantly, and departments often operate with incompatible IT systems. Some departments rely on IT systems that were introduced in the 1980s, while others have more advanced and modern technology. Where departments tend to share a lot of data with each other, improvements to one system can disrupt the other, and impact the flow of information between them.

Grasping the opportunities

To address these barriers, the report outlines several key areas for change. Cultural change is essential. Encouraging a mindset that values data-sharing as a public good will require clear communication, stronger leadership, and incentives for collaboration. Leaders must take responsibility for embedding data-sharing into their departments, backed by formal mandates and clearly defined roles.

Improving skills is equally important. The public sector as a whole needs an overarching strategy to develop the expertise of its data analysts, engineers, and architects. This should include tailored training, opportunities for collaboration, and a consistent approach to data management practices across organisations.

On the process side, a centralised approach to funding and managing data projects could ensure resources are used efficiently and aligned with government missions. Standardising practices and improving the quality of datasets would make them easier to share and use effectively. Updating legal frameworks to reflect modern technological capabilities is also essential.

Finally, addressing technological challenges will require significant investment. Modernising IT systems and ensuring interoperability between departments is a priority, as is establishing a secure, year-round data-sharing service to govern and facilitate collaboration.

A crucial transformation

Our report envisions a public sector where data-sharing is routine and transformative. This scenario is not just desirable; it is achievable.

By treating data as a national asset, the public sector can create a more connected, informed, and effective government – one that delivers a stronger economy, healthier society, and better future for all.

Explore the full report: Data-sharing: The beating heart of a successful public sector.