Good quality data is increasingly important for enhancing outcomes in healthcare, education, and a myriad of other areas of the economy and society, according to a press release shared on Sep 25th. A new analysis from the Center for Data Innovation urges policymakers in the United States to address obstacles to data sharing in order to advance the nation's social and economic development.
Gillian Diebold, a representative from the Center for Data Innovation, emphasized the need for effective data-sharing, stating, "Effective data-sharing needs to be the norm in the United States."
The report highlights several factors that hinder data sharing in the United States. Data silos, which prevent data from being accessible to others, are growing in the country, hampering social and economic progress. Additionally, rising anti-tech sentiment, stringent data privacy regulations, and a lack of technical standards further impede data sharing.
To overcome these obstacles, the Center suggests legislative changes to facilitate data sharing in both the public and commercial sectors. The report examines current federal rules that restrict data sharing, as well as the potential impact of proposed legislation like the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA). Technical barriers, such as the absence of universal standards for data formatting, and social barriers, including mistrust of data collection and anti-tech sentiments, are also addressed.
The paper proposes six actions for U.S. officials to take to remove barriers to data sharing:
1. Change existing data protection rules to remove legal obstacles.
2. Instruct important federal agencies to develop standard data-sharing contracts to simplify legal agreements.
3. Develop data literacy activities to help communities understand the benefits of data and secure data sharing.
4. Make it easy for customers to donate their data, particularly for worthwhile causes like healthcare and education.
5. Create data standards in areas with a significant impact.
6. Take decisive action to amend privacy laws, overcome social opposition, and address economic and technical barriers.
Diebold warns that without decisive action, the United States will fall far short of its potential in utilizing data for social and economic benefit. Many initiatives aimed at using data for productive purposes will also fail.
In conclusion, policymakers in the United States are urged to prioritize data sharing in order to unlock the full potential of data for social and economic advancement. By addressing legal, social, technical, and economic barriers, the country can enhance outcomes in various sectors and drive progress in the digital age.
