February 2024

The Smart Data Research UK Strategy 2024 offers an overview of our programme. The publication outlines SDR UK’s remit, ambitions and plans up to 2029.

We are a new UK Research and Innovation investment. Our programme will deliver a step change in the use of new forms of data generated through everyday interactions with digital devices, including mobile apps, digital marketplaces, social media, wearables, satnavs, sensors, and smart technology. 

Smart data, sometimes referred to as ‘digital footprints data’, can provide new insights about major social challenges. These include energy security, the cost of living, climate change, emergency response, health, well-being and social mobility.  

Introducing our strategy

Developing research partnerships to use this data requires dedicated resources, interdisciplinary expertise, robust oversight, and input from the public. Our programme builds on more than ten years of learning from related projects, including the Big Data Network, ADR UK, HDR UK and nearly 60 years of Economic and Social Research Council funding for research infrastructures like Understanding Society and the UK Data Service. Feedback from our 2021 consultation was instrumental in developing the case for Smart Data Research UK, and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our stakeholder community. 

In the strategy, we outline our aim to unlock the power of new forms of data for research and innovation to solve social and economic challenges. Four key objectives underpin all our activities:

• Access – Providing secure data access
• Trust – Safeguarding public trust
• Capability – Building capability for cutting-edge research
• Impact – Generating social and economic benefits

The strategy also includes the four thematic pillars that will guide our priorities for data acquisition, collaboration, and partnerships. These pillars have been defined through our strategic advice team’s consultation with the research community, alongside a review of government and UKRI priorities.

We welcome ongoing engagement and feedback on our programme as it develops. Please contact us at smartdataresearch@ukri.org to engage further with the programme. 

Read the Strategy

Smart Data Research UK Strategy 2024 (webpage)