The document provides a framework for government action to set the correct conditions to make private and third sector data more usable, accessible and available across the UK economy while protecting people’s data rights and private enterprises’ intellectual property, in line with Mission 1 of the National Data Strategy.

The framework is divided into two main components:

• Principles for intervention: a set of principles that the Government will use to guide interventions seeking to unlock data across the economy, to ensure it employs the most effective approach to deliver public benefit:
  • improve knowledge and understanding of data sharing (e.g., by leveraging government’s convening power);
  • reduce costs of data sharing through better data foundations (e.g., by supporting more efficient data sharing solutions, developing standards, encouraging or mandating adoption of standards, and data stewarding initiatives);
  • support (new) ways of addressing the risks of data sharing (e.g., by supporting innovation in secure data sharing solutions);
  • improve or demonstrate incentives for data sharing (e.g., through testbeds and trials);
  • reduce (perceived) regulatory burden associated with data sharing; and
  • mandate data sharing in the public interest by identifying datasets of national importance or public interest; and
• Priority areas for action: building on the above, the Government has identified specific areas for action that, in combination, can address some of the key barriers to data sharing for public benefit:
  • establish foundations: promote the development and use of good data standards so that data is held, processed and shared according to FAIR principles;
  • support infrastructure: encourage the development and uptake of Privacy Enhancing Technologies, support the development of a thriving intermediary ecosystem that enables responsible data sharing, and support the development of infrastructure that promotes the availability of data for research and development purposes;
  • encourage the market: use incentives to maximise value for money data sharing in support of the public good, and support effective and well-functioning markets by addressing data practices that distort competition and consumer outcomes, including by widening access to data were appropriate; and
  • lead, cooperate and collaborate: learn from international partners and develop international cooperation to support the UK’s data agenda on the world stage.

The Government says that these priorities will shape its ongoing work in this area, led and coordinated by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, working across government and with key organisations to support delivery.

The Government says that it continues to collate information to refine and target these approaches, which are based on its current understanding of the data landscape. Specific interventions will therefore evolve as the evidence base increases. To access the policy document, click here.