The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has confirmed that it is working on the development of a National Data Library of public sector data.
The plan was floated earlier this year by the Labour Party before the general election and by Administrative Data Research UK – a network of government and academic organisations – following which it has been referenced in the supporting document for the autumn Budget published this week.
“This will provide simple, ethical and secure access to public data assets, giving researchers and businesses powerful insights that will drive growth and transform people’s quality of life through better public services and cutting edge innovation, including AI,” the document says.
In response to questions from UKAuthority, a DSIT spokesperson said: "The Government is currently undertaking work to design the National Data Library. Decisions on its design and implementation will be taken in due course."
Strategic resource
In a parliamentary debate early in September, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle said the library would be part of a digital infrastructure for managing data as a strategic resource.
“With a coherent data access policy and a library and exchange service, it will transform the way we manage our public sector data,” he said.
“It will have a relentless focus on maximising the value of that data for public good, on growing the economy and creating new jobs, and on delivering the data driven, AI powered public services that they deserve.”
