InnovateUS hosts multi-part introductory data workshop series

In our second three-part workshop series this fall, InnovateUS hosted informative data training sessions led by faculty member Stefaan Verhulst. Participants were able to explore topics such as data and its reuse, how to identify data sources and credibility, and different models of data collaboratives.

About the instructor

Stefaan Verhulst is the Co-Founder and Chief Research and Development Officer as well as the Director of GovLab's Data Program. He is also the Co-Founder and Principal Scientific Advisor of The DataTank, the Editor-in-Chief of Data & Policy, an open-access journal by Cambridge University Press; the research director of the MacArthur Research Network on Opening Governance; Chair of the Data for Children Collaborative with UNICEF; and a member of the High-Level Expert Group to the European Commission on Business-to-Government Data Sharing. 

In 2018, he was recognized as one of the 10 Most Influential Academics in Digital Government globally (as part of the Top 100 in Digital Government) by the global policy platform Apolitical. At The GovLab, Stefaan Verhulst has developed and led a range of impactful research initiatives that contribute to an enhanced understanding and improved practice of using data, science, and technology for decision and policymaking.

Workshop 1: An Introduction to Data and Its Reuse 

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2023 

In this workshop, participants received an introduction to data and its reuse, which included an overview of the different forms of data, an explanation of data reuse and why it matters, and the benefits and challenges of reusing data. Ninety one public service professionals from across the country explored questions that data can provide answers to, while also learning the limitations of data-driven decision-making. 

Verhulst introduced seven key observations about data in his presentation:

1. Datafication has transformed the data landscape.

2. Data is not a thing, it is a process. 

3. Data in itself has no value. 

4. Data is never “raw” or “born” – it is created. 

5. Data re-use provides the real opportunity. 

6. Data likely resides elsewhere. 

7. Metadata is the new data.

“I think many of [these] observations might not be new,” Verhulst said. “But I hope the package of [these] observations really sets a new mindset to think about data as it relates to decisionmaking processes.”

Watch the workshop recording here.

Workshop 2: The Science of Data Questions and Exploring Data Sources 

Wednesday, Nov 1, 2023 

This second workshop focused on the science of data questions, understanding minimum viable data, and exploring data sources. Participants learned the importance of asking the right questions in a data-driven world and how to design questions in a participatory way. The workshop explained what minimum viable data is, why it is crucial, and how to determine it, to balance data comprehensiveness with utility and efficiency. The 97 attendees walked away with an understanding of how to identify potential data sources, evaluate data credibility and relevance, and gain tools and techniques for data sourcing and verification.

Verhulst stressed five key takeaways from his presentation:

1. Start with the problem, not the data. 

2. A participatory process can enable a new kind of “question science.”

3. Different questions facilitate different types of insights.

4. Focus on the minimum viable data.

5. Without the right expertise, the data’s impact will be limited.

Verhulst wanted participants to learn the way of thinking necessary to working with data on their projects.

“What I hope to do is really change the mindset that if you initiate a data project, don’t start with the data that you have access to, or with the data that you already know could be made accessible, but start with the question,” he said.

Watch the workshop recording here.

Workshop 3: Data Collaboration and Governance

Monday, Nov 6, 2023

In this training on data collaboration, participants learned about different models of data collaboratives, including data pooling, corporate data philanthropy, challenges, and intermediaries. The 148 attendees were able to understand the importance of governance in data collaboration, how to craft data-sharing agreements, and how to address privacy, security, and ethical concerns around data collaboration. The workshop also provided an overview of the technical requirements and infrastructure for effective data collaboration, including access, transfer, and storage, and introduced tools, platforms, and solutions for facilitating responsible data collaboration.

Verhulst introduced the four P’s of governing a data collaborative: purpose, practice and tools, principles, and processes. Other key points from his presentation included:

1. Data collaboratives can help bridge data asymmetries. 

2. When establishing data collaboratives, consider what is fit for purpose. 

3. Different data collaborative models are effective in different contexts. 

4. Determining the value proposition behind a data collaborative makes it more sustainable.

5. Establishing legitimate governance enhances responsibility. 

6. A technical infrastructure is needed to strengthen a data collaborative. 

7. A data steward plays a key role towards making data collaboratives more systematic.

He motivated participants to think about data through several lenses as well.

“It’s very important to think about the business case, but also about the governance structures. More importantly, what is actually the human infrastructure that I need in order to make all of this work so that data collaboratives are becoming systematic, sustainable, and responsible,” he said.

To conclude, Verhulst encouraged those who were interested to check out his longer series with the Data Stewards Academy, which unpacks the five functions of Data Stewardship over the course of eight weeks. He also highlighted his LinkedIn learning course called Global Data Stewardship.

Watch the workshop recording here.

Here’s what some participants had to say about the workshop series!

“I thought this training was an excellent foundation for anyone who works with data. I especially liked the conversation and talking points around the limitations of data, and the issues surrounding inclusion. I found the facilitator's style very comfortable and easygoing - although clearly an expert he did not talk down to this audience” - Maine public service professional, Health and Human Services, mid-career (10-20 years).

“Truly what is offered is always spot-on as far as interest and applicability to my work world.  Really appreciate the trainings” - Colorado public service professional, Administration, mid-career (10-20 years).

InnovateUS will be offering free weekly workshops through December. Check them out and sign up here!