These are the conclusions of a report from the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
Connecting data: driving productivity and innovation, says that harnessing the power of data analytics – big data – and linking key datasets reliably in real time has immense potential to drive innovation and enhance UK productivity, which is currently lagging 17% behind the average across the G7 economies.
However, good practice is currently not widespread or consistent enough across and between each sector of the economy, and faster progress needs to be made to ensure rigorous performance and resilience.
Professor Jim Norton, chair of the RAEng/IET Connecting Data Working Group, said: “We have access to lots of data but we need to structure it and curate it better. Big data is a bit like an iceberg – most of the value we want to unlock is still lurking under the surface.
“For example, sensors are already being included in new buildings to control things like ventilation and lighting, but the data they collect can also be used to show where heating could be turned off to save energy. Our report will help to develop a route map to harness all that capability securely and effectively.”
Summarising the aims of the working group, Professor Norton said: “The UK is at the start of a dramatic transformation that will impact on the working and private lives of all our citizens. We are determined that the way ahead should draw on the key principles of best engineering practice and look forward to continuing to facilitate these vital developments.”
Download the report here.
