Mid-term evaluation of Smart Data Research UK
SQW has been commissioned by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to deliver a mid-term evaluation of the Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK) programme - designed to harness the potential of new forms of data for research and innovation to address social and economic challenges.
Smart data is made whenever we engage with the digital world. It includes data from mobile apps, navigation systems, online platforms, sensors in consumer devices, and digital transactions. Smart data can allow researchers to identify and understand patterns in human behaviour, which can be used to address social and economic challenges by informing new policies or practices and contributing to new innovations which deliver social and economic benefits.
The SDR UK programme
SDR UK is the UK’s national programme for smart data research. Established in 2024, it is a £49m UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) data infrastructure programme (funded by the UKRI Infrastructure Fund), which is being delivered by ESRC to 2029. The programme brings together a family of data services based at leading UK universities and research organisations. Data services manage and provide safe access to smart data within secure environments, to enable breakthrough research. A Strategic Hub based within the ESRC provides programme leadership, coordination and oversight.
The mid-term evaluation
At this mid-term stage, SQW’s evaluation will explore how the programme is being delivered, its progress to date, and identify what is and is not working well to inform the remaining part of the delivery period. It will provide an initial assessment of early progress towards the programme’s intended outcomes. The evaluation will include consultations with programme management and delivery staff, data owners, researchers and external stakeholders. It will also involve case studies, analysis of documentation, monitoring, survey and publication/citation data. The evaluation will test the feasibility of generating a partial Benefit–Cost Ratio at this stage of the programme.
For more information about our work on digital infrastructure and innovation, please contact John Nolan at JNolan@sqw.co.uk.
