This week in data – 28 June: Each week, we compile the best stories in data. You get everything in your inbox, without having to search for it.
HSBC data boss calls for industry wide governance framework
He’s definitely onto something. Speaking at a data governance panel at the Asia Pacific Financial Information Conference (Apfic) in Hong Kong, Christopher Butler said the industry just needs to do better.
Can’t make it simpler than that, really.
THE TAKEAWAY:
“Especially for an organization like HSBC, it is impossible to consolidate and use the data from Bangladesh to Argentina to Ukraine if we don’t have that. So in terms of governance, ownership, definitions, and consolidation, it is critical across all operations.”
New York to combat homelessness with data
Or at least, they’re going to try! One new initiative outlined by the Mayor’s office is to expand an app that’s currently used by case workers to monitor and report on situations where people are homeless. The idea is that they can then connect that information to shelters and other service providers. Another example of data working for good.
THE TAKEAWAY:
“Thanks to the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity, we’re increasing our data-sharing capabilities to further improve coordination between shelters and schools, and ensure we’re supporting students from the moment they wake up through the end of their day.”
Using the Blockchain to cure cancer
Hopefully! The US National Cancer Institute has announced a new plan for a data sharing project to be run on Blockchain tech. Specifically, it will use the Hyperledger blockchain to collect and share clinical data between providers. This isn’t the first time that healthcare providers have joined forces, but judging by the momentum of these types of projects, it certainly wouldn’t be the last.
THE TAKEAWAY:
“Failure in timely access to health information could impede effective treatment decision-making, which will adversely affect patient health, and also incur unnecessary costs such as duplicated tests. Regulations on protecting patient privacy add a layer of complexity in data transfer.”
New law to tell US citizens what their data is worth
It’s only a proposed law, but still. The legislation would force companies with more than 100 monthly active users to not only tell customers what their information is worth, but also file an annual report that discloses just how much all of that aggregate data is worth. That’s…bold.
THE TAKEAWAY:
“For years, social media companies have told consumers that their products are free to the user. But that’s not true – you are paying with your data instead of your wallet.”
Big business is finally making money by using data
One of the big complaints businesses have about their data operations is that they can’t see any impact on the bottom line. That’s changing. Snowflake’s new benchmark survey found 96% view data as integral to serving customers, but even better – 81% say they view data and analytics as a strong competitive advantage.
THE TAKEAWAY:
“Thirty-six percent of respondents reported the most progress in scaling up and down their data warehouse without disruption or delay, while 35 percent saw the most improvement in the overall performance of their data management.”
Where do all the scooters go?
Really, though? Where do they go? That’s what a bunch of cities are trying to figure out after experimenting with failed scooter sharing programs. Well, not all of them failed. But there are scooters everywhere and governments don’t know what to do. Enter the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, which has created a new tool to help cities organize their transport information. Scoot, scoot, scoot.
THE TAKEAWAY:
“Currently, there are a patchwork of rules across the country related to management and operation of dockless scooter companies — and they seem to be changing every week. Nashville just announced that it was banning electric scooters after a man with twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system was killed while riding a scooter. Uber pulled its Jump bikes and scooters from San Antonio, Texas.”
That’s our wrap for this week. Thanks for reading – we hope you found it entertaining and informational. We’d love to hear your thoughts on these articles and anything else data related! Email us anytime at enquiries@datarepublic.com!
Until next week,
Team Data Republic