This page gives a basic introduction to understanding how data approaches need to change to become more inclusive. And some tips to help you do this. As well as ways to find datasets that can support inclusive innovation.
There are 3 issues with data in relation to inclusive innovation:
- In general, there is a shortage of data specifically for inclusive innovation purposes.
- Some datasets that could be relevant have biases which affect how it can be used.
- And where good quality data does exist, it is often not being used.
Gathering data
The way that you gather data, affects what data is collected.
Typically, data has not been collected in an inclusive way. And this means that many datasets have gaps or misrepresent marginalised groups.
As a result, there can be a lack of data, or a lack of accuracy and trust in data.
This means certain datasets can be less useful or more harmful, especially in relation to inclusive innovation.
However, there are ways to gather datasets relevant to inclusive innovation, that have fewer biases, gaps, and misrepresentations.
Steps to make the gathering of data more inclusive:
- Include a diverse range of stakeholders in the planning stage – when you are deciding: what data needs to be collected, how it is collected, and who it is collected by
- Consider community-led research approaches – where local residents or businesses actively participate in gathering data in their local area or through their networks.
- Consider the wide range of ways that data can be recorded, don’t over rely on surveys and emails – which may be affected by time, literacy, and digital accessibility issues – do consider focus groups, case studies, include represenatives for the natural and the build environment
- Gain feedback on the data you have gathered throughout the process – for example via interviews or workshops – to understand whether the data is a fair representation
- Continue to gather datasets over time, not just as a one off, as this will help you to check its accuracy and improve the methods of collection
Being transparent and respectful when gathering data
It’s always a good idea to be honest and open with groups you are collecting data from or about. This means being clear on what data you are collecting, and how you intend to use it.
The Data Ethics Canvas – The ODI
As well as upholding ethics, and data privacy practices. Ultimately, maintaining ways that you would like to be treated yourself.
You could ask a group what data they might hold, and how they would like it to be collected.
Sharing datasets with those who contributed, and those affected, is also recommended. In this way you avoid taking without giving something in return. And you also enable that group to make better decisions or take action upon the data too.
Finding datasets and making sense of data
Most local authorities will have a Data and Insights team, or something similar. This team may be a central function in the authority that works across all types of data needs. Or there may be a number of teams – specific to each directorate. In the case of the West Midlands Combined Authority it is a mix of both these approaches.
Data and Insights teams are often in the process of creating new datasets, as well as having a catalogue or archive of past datasets.
You can of course collect you own data for a project. But it is often a good idea to check in with a Data and Insights team first. This way you can find out:
- if a dataset already exists
- understand how existing datasets were gathered, what they are saying, and any limitations
- or get some best practice tips for collecting a new dataset if you are going to collect some data yourself.
Online datasets available (open data)
There are a number of datasets that are available online for free in the UK. For example, the Office for National Statistics has a local statistics search that can provide data in relation to places and regions
Explore local statistics – ONS
Certain public organisations share inclusive innovation specific data and commentary
InnovateUK – Diversity data, methodology, and commitments
The Local Government Association has a data service called LG Inform+
Which some authorities have a subscription to.
And some authorities will also share (anonymised) datasets on their website for anyone to see. For example:
West Midlands Combined Authority – Research and Insights – Data