I’ve got a crush on data

 

I never thought I’d say this, but data is cool.

As someone who’s always preferred the richness and variability of storytelling over rigid, absolute statistics (oh my preconceived notions!), a new work project finds me up to my eyeballs in the world of data and I’m crushing. Seriously.

Data? It’s a BIG deal. Potential? HUGE.

Savvy organizations are already realizing this potential and using data to increase efficiency, productivity and performance as well as create new value in the marketplace.  And, as people realize that they’re not only consumers of data but producers in their own right, new business models are emerging that profit-share with members who provide valuable personal info (Check out I-Allow , Personal.com and Bradley Kreit’s blog from the Institute for the Future for more on this).

But for me, the most exciting things happening in data surround free, open data initiatives. While opening data can be a tricky balancing act of security and privacy concerns, licensing rules and IP considerations, the potential of open data to drive innovation, inform EVERYBODY and solve some of world’s biggest challenges is incredible.

It’s happening now. Governments and non-profits are harnessing the expertise of data nerds, developers, planners and community members to uncover new insights and create innovative solutions for problems ranging from informing the public about restaurant food safety in NYC to crisis response mapping during natural disasters like earthquakes and floods.

At the core of open data is a commitment to collaboration and public engagement. The best insights are realized only when we bring unique and varied partners to the table; some will come with data and others just with ideas. Everyone can add value.

So, it’s essential that we work together to share information broadly and that we start to think bigger about who can add value to the work that we do. What data can you share? What ideas can you contribute?

Are you involved or interested in open data? Inspired to get involved and do something different?

Do you have a data crush too?

 

Check out these great initiatives and tools I’ve recently learned more about:

Random Hacks of Kindness

HealthyCity.org

NYC BigApps

UN Global Pulse

Ushahidi

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Tags: collaboration, innovation, open data, Social Innovation, statistics