Transforming Complex Data into Actionable Insights for Policy

Data science is typically linked with business intelligence, aiming to provide insights. Yet, government organisations, grappling with vast data, also require evidence-based decision-making impacting society. Data is crucial for informed decisions, and it’s no surprise that the public sector is increasingly embracing data and analytical tools.

However, data usage in policymaking faces several challenges:

Accessibility: Not all data is readily available. Moreover, data often contains sensitive personal information, restricting its sharing.
Dispersed Sources: Data scattered across various platforms complicates retrieval.
Inconsistency and Quality: Available data may vary over time, lack crucial information for research, and pose quality concerns – a significant hurdle for data scientists.
Data Literacy: Teams frequently struggle with interpreting data due to a lack of skills.

Our Approach to Data

At INE, we view data as a potent tool for better decision-making, valuing diverse knowledge forms. We advocate for data accessibility to various audiences.

Our mission: assisting policymakers and academics in accessing, analysing, and communicating data. Collaborating with local officers, we’ve mapped the regional data landscape and fostered connections among data experts, analysts, and officials.

What INE Offers Policymakers and Academics

For Policymakers

Data Analysis and Interpretation: We provide complimentary support for data-related projects, including data visualisation, quantitative and qualitative research methods. Our expertise encompasses various research strategies and software applications.
Specialist Connections: Acting as a bridge between academia and policy, we connect officials with top regional data experts and support joint projects with the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD).
Knowledge Exchange: We organize events and networking opportunities for idea and knowledge sharing on data and technology.

For Academics

Data Communication: We assist in translating your data into compelling narratives for policymakers, making complex analysis accessible and engaging.

Join the North East Data Network, a new community focused on the use of data in policymaking.

Learn more

Data science processes

Fundamentals of data science

Toolkit 1

Data collection

Toolkit 2

Data cleaning

Toolkit 3

Data analysis and communication

Toolkit 4

Coding Best Practices

Toolkit 5

Resources

List of data sources and tools

National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD)

INE's GitHub account

Seeking Data Expertise?

Does your organisation need assistance with data finding, analysis, or interpretation?
Is your team seeking skill enhancement in data handling?

Require guidance on specific data analysis or visualisation software?
Are you an academic with data potentially valuable for policymaking?

Data Reports

Data

Data Science for the Public Good in the North East

In the age of artificial intelligence, data is more than just a buzzword—it is a powerhouse for innovation, especially outside the boardroom. With its eye on the future, the UK has laid down ambitious plans to mine this potential, but what about the challenges that lie ahead?