Data Culture: Insights from Big Data London 2023

Big Data London is an annual event that gathers data professionals, experts, and enthusiasts from around the world to delve into the ever-evolving world of data management, analytics, and innovation. This year, the Jobs 22 BI team had the privilege of attending and embarked on a journey with a singular goal: to explore the nuances of data governance and quality. While we found this focus well-represented at the event, we reaffirmed the importance of having a strong culture around data. Moreover, we discovered how this cultural focus can be aligned with sustainability goals.

 Our initial aim for attending Big Data London 2023 was to further our data governance and quality knowledge. As we interacted with professionals from different sectors, it became evident that we weren't alone in our challenges. The issues we face in data governance and quality are prevalent across industries, from healthcare to finance and retail to manufacturing. Rather than finding this universal challenge discouraging, we saw it as a validation of our ongoing efforts to improve.

 Over the course of the conference, we found consistent emphasis on the role of a "culture of data" as a foundation for overcoming challenges in data governance and quality. It reaffirmed our belief that adopting advanced technologies and rigid policies is not enough; we must foster a company-wide respect for data as a strategic asset. A culture of data goes beyond the mere management of data; it's about empowering individuals at every level to become champions of data-driven decision-making.

We also discovered an often-unspoken opportunity - the chance to integrate data governance with our sustainability strategy. Recent estimates have suggested that data centres currently contribute to around 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, eclipsing the entire aviation industry. This insight calls for a re-evaluation of our approach to data management, not just from an operational perspective but also as a catalyst for sustainability.

Key Insights from Big Data London 2023:

 Commitment at All Levels: Creating a data and sustainability-centric culture is a collective effort, not just a top-down directive.

Education and Training: Equipping our workforce with the necessary tools and knowledge to understand and harness data is fundamental. Furthermore, fostering environmental consciousness should run parallel to data literacy efforts.

Transparency and Trust: Openness regarding data sources, methodologies, and sustainability initiatives fosters trust among everyone within Jobs 22. Transparency extends to our efforts to reduce the environmental impact of data operations.

Collaboration: Breaking down silos and encouraging cross-functional collaboration ensures data is shared effectively across departments, with sustainability considerations woven into these collaborations.

Data Governance Framework: A robust data governance framework remains crucial, and our internal policy will be updated with elements designed to influence sustainability practices positively.

As we return from the conference, our commitment to cultivating a culture of data with a sustainability twist is firm. We are confident that by doing so, we will enhance our data governance and quality and make strides towards a greener future. Big Data London 2023 has marked a significant point in our data culture journey, where data and sustainability intersect, and it's a journey we embark upon together. The most important people in this transformation are the leadership and everyone in Jobs 22.