Led by our PI, Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, EWADA team contributed to the Open Data Institute’s landmark report on “Five years Strategy 2023-2028” on a trusted data infrastructure, and their newly updated policy manifesto, published in September 2024.

With the rapid advancement of AI technologies and their growing application in critical public sectors in the UK, such as healthcare and education, the need for a scalable, open, and trustworthy data ecosystem has never been greater. EWADA’s core mission is to empower individuals to take control and derive maximum value from all types of data.

This aligns closely with ODI’s latest policy manifesto, which calls for the following six principles:

• Principle 1: Strong data infrastructure
• Principle 2: Open data as a foundation
• Principle 3: Building trust in data
• Principle 4: Supporting trusted, independent organisations
• Principle 5: Fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive data ecosystem
• Principle 6: Enhancing data knowledge and skills

The cutting-edge decentralised data infrastructure and privacy-preserving AI computation capabilities developed by EWADA researchers over the past three years hold immense potential to support the new government’s ambition for a national renewal. Initiatives like “Citizen-Centric Public Services” have the potential to place citizens at the heart of digital service delivery through enhanced data infrastructure for public services and the creation of a new National Data Library. By leveraging innovative technologies and fostering collaboration, EWADA is well-positioned to drive transformative change in the way public services are delivered. Together, we can ensure that data-driven solutions prioritise citizens’ needs, uphold privacy, and pave the way for a more inclusive and efficient digital future.