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Big Data Event showcases the future of data collaboration

1st October 2024

Last week, the Big Data Team held the latest in the Big Data event series, the theme this time was Collaborating with Data: The Challenges and Opportunities.

The Big Data Team includes colleagues from the National Data Resource programme and Life Sciences Hub Wales.

The event underscored a key misconception: While governance hurdles are often anticipated, the event, informed by advice from Welsh Government (WG) and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), demonstrated a strong emphasis on collaboration and knowledge sharing to overcome these perceived barriers.

The event was held online and brought together data professionals, and experts in health and care to explore innovative approaches to data collaboration. The event focused on the potential of data to revolutionise public services, drive innovation, and tackle key challenges organisations face today.

Attendees enjoyed thought-provoking presentations from a diverse line-up of expert speakers:

  • David Teague, Head of Welsh Affairs, ICO 
  • Anna Bartlett-Avery, Head of Data Ethics and Data Sharing, Welsh Government
  • Owen Davies, Data and Intelligence Manager, Social Care Wales
  • Ming Tang, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, NHS England

 

Live polls during the event kept the audience engaged, offering real-time insights and sparking conversations around data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency. Discussions also highlighted how public sector bodies integrate AI into their operations, showcasing opportunities and challenges.

Ming Tang shared insights on the importance of data-driven transformation:

“We need to ensure that data and analytics become part of making policy and operational decisions. The key is providing frontline teams with the right information to improve patient care.”

Owen Davies emphasised the importance of collaboration:

"By working together and sharing knowledge, we can overcome barriers and deliver better services across health and social care. Collaboration ensures we achieve more, faster, and more efficiently.”

This event not only highlighted the growing importance of data collaboration but also demonstrated the enthusiasm and readiness of organisations to embrace the opportunities it offers.

The event concluded with a call to action, urging continued collaboration across sectors to unlock the full potential of data-driven technologies.

For those who registered but couldn’t attend on the day, the event recording is available to watch on our Youtube channel. Please email us for the link.

If you would like to suggest a topic for a future Big Data event or have any questions, contact us at NDR.comms@wales.nhs.uk.