Unlocking the Power of Financial Data for Social Good

This week, Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK) welcomes guest blogger Frank Gauld , CEO of Smart Data Foundry , to pen some thoughts for our new blog series, the World of Smart Data Research.

As a programme, SDR UK's mission is to unlock the power of data to improve lives. We bring together companies, academics, innovators and government to understand our world better and help solve social and economic challenges.

Smart data is made whenever we engage with the digital world. When we buy something, ‘like’ something, or get directions. If used for scientific research smart data can change our world. It can help us to understand important social challenges – from disease prevention to climate change.    

In the first blog in the series, our director Joe Cuddeford talked about the potential of smart data to drive positive change - how smart data isn’t just a resource for private companies; it’s a national asset with the capacity to fuel research initiatives that benefit society as a whole.

In his blog, Frank Gauld describes the work that his team is doing to harness the power of financial data for social good - how the Smart Data Foundry acts as a bridge between the untapped potential of financial data and the researchers and decision-makers who can use it for good to tackle social challenges. 

We are keen to grow this blog series, so if you’re interested in contributing to the World of Smart Data, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact the team at smartdataresearch@ukri.org.