Data Science and analytical capability and evidence synthesis
During the Coronavirus pandemic a huge focus has been placed on data and technology. These will not solve problems alone; there needs to be a synthesis of 'what works' and also a programme to develop analytical capability to ensure effective actionable insight globally.
Adrian Jonas, Director Dathathena (a new venture specialising in turning data into wisdom) and Deputy Director Analysis in the UK National Health Service.
- Recover (Improve health & economic system resilience), such as: Best protective interventions, especially for vulnerable populations, Avoid/mitigate negative second-order consequences, Integrate true costs of pandemic risk into economic systems
The global lack of analytical and data science capability to address challenges at a national, or system level; and simple communication of data utility and quality for problem solving - i.e. what works and what might not, and one-version-of-the-truth.
Solutions such as AI developed on a dataset in one country/system are rarely generalisable or adaptable enough to be effectively deployed and implemented in another.
A personal story - I previously led a consultancy project for in Ethiopia. Upon arrival in Addis I quickly turned this 180 degrees to instead focus on capability. I guided local participants through various data collection, problem solving, risk and intelligence techniques. Ethiopia Revenue & Customs Authority was now been left with a completely self-sustainable National Risk Overview built by its own people – which was in hindsight vital in influencing its appreciation and utilisation. Crucially the 20 individuals involved could then apply these techniques to further problems the country faced and develop effective solutions.
- Pilot: A project, initiative, venture, or organisation deploying its research, product, service, or business/policy model in at least one context or community
- Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
- Behavioral Technology
- Big Data
The programme will be directly for the public good as all participant analysts and thus their sponsor country, will benefit. Not just for immediately solutions built during the coaching phase of the programme, but for a lifetime.
There will be a clear 'coaching' phase of the programme beyond the taught element. Career paths will then also be monitored and analysts will be asked to maintain contact through a dedicated platform - which can also ensure sharing best practice/lessons learnt and what-works.
As previously touched on, we will target the programme at most vulnerable LEDC countries who would benefit most.
I have no doubt that continuous momentum and success with an initial stimulus will bring further partnerships and scale. 1 new analyst alone through this programme can then individually impact millions of lives in his or her country - just as I have done in my career.
The programme will have governance is place to ensure key milestones are reached depending on the funding available (for instance x analysts from y different countries trained by t time).
- United Kingdom
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Egypt, Arab Rep.
- Ethiopia
- Guatemala
- India
- Libya
- Mexico
- Uganda
- Venezuela, RB
The primary barrier is simply the financial stimulas to formally activtae this programme.
The secondary barrier is travel, due to the COVID pandemic. Thus online options will need to be considered in certain cases (though still 121 interaction on a daily basis for a discrete period will be imperative).
- Nonprofit
1. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
2. NHS England
3. DATATHENA Lyd
This is genuinely an idea which offers the best approach to capacity building and implementation - it just needs support to make it a reality; which the challenge could provide.
I am open to a conversation with any partner about this proposal.