Public Dialogue 2025 published
Public dialogue reveals perspectives on smart data research
Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK) and UK Research and Innovation’s Sciencewise programme have published findings from their first nationwide public dialogue on smart data research, unveiled today at the Digital Footprints Conference in Leeds.
The dialogue brought together members of the public in Belfast, Newport, Gateshead, Inverness, and London.
In a series of deliberative workshops, participants explored the benefits, concerns, and future of research using smart data – data generated through everyday digital interactions, such as using mobile apps or shopping online.
From scepticism to enthusiasm
While participants initially expressed uncertainty and scepticism, their enthusiasm grew significantly as they learned more about the safeguards in place and the potential benefits to society.
Joe Cuddeford, Director of SDR UK, commented: “This dialogue has shown the immense value of involving the public in deep, contextual conversations about smart data research. Their insights have challenged assumptions and highlighted what really matters – building trust, demonstrating value, and ensuring research is high quality.”
Key insights
The dialogue uncovered six core findings that will shape the future of smart data research:
1. Awareness builds enthusiasm
Participants began with limited knowledge of smart data research and expressed concerns about misuse of personal data. However, their enthusiasm grew as they learned more about the research, safeguards and emphasis on public benefit – highlighting the importance of public communication about how smart data is used and protected.
2. A clear desire for real-world impact
Participants wanted smart data research to focus on meaningful outcomes—tackling challenges like inequality, health, and infrastructure. Their understanding of “public good” became more nuanced over time, reflecting both the number of people affected and the scale of benefit.
3. Inclusive, high-quality data is essential
Concerns about biased or incomplete data were common. Participants valued SDR UK’s commitment to using diverse data sources and saw a clear role for the programme in promoting equitable data practices.
4. Public good must be prioritised in private sector partnerships
Participants were initially sceptical about private sector involvement but became more comfortable when public benefit was clearly prioritised and safeguards were explained. They called for transparent collaborations, with independent oversight and mechanisms to align commercial goals with societal impact.
5. Security concerns can be eased with transparency
Trust grew when participants learned about frameworks like the Five Safes. They moved from general security fears to more nuanced questions about oversight and accountability.
6. The public wants a voice in smart data research
While participants agreed technical matters like data security should be expert-led, they expressed a strong desire to influence research priorities and definitions of public benefit. They saw opportunities to align future public engagement across data initiatives.
Values that build trust
Four core values emerged as drivers of public trust in smart data research:
These values complement the Five Safes Framework that underpins SDR UK’s ethical approach to working with sensitive, de-identified, or personal data.
Looking forward
The findings from this dialogue will help shape how SDR UK builds a trustworthy, inclusive and impactful smart data research system.
Joe Cuddeford added: “We are grateful to everyone who took part in this dialogue. These insights will guide our work as we launch our new data services and develop initiatives that reflect what matters most to the public. This is just the beginning of our ongoing conversation about how smart data can transform our society for the better.”
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Notes
The dialogue was delivered in partnership with Thinks Insight & Strategy – an international insight and strategy agency. It has extensive experience engaging the public on technology and data, including topics such as trust, privacy and digital identities. The team works for both the public and private sectors. Clients include the UK and Scottish Governments, the Responsible Technology Adoption Unit (formerly CDEI), the NHS, the Open Data Institute and Which?.
