How to Use Big Data for a Good Cause

How to Use Big Data for a Good Cause

How to Use Big Data for a Good Cause

By Karen A. Frenkel

The Right Team and Mentality

Ask yourself whether you have an innovative team that is always looking for ways to use big data and analytics for good.

Make Data Available

Making data accessible to the right people is the key to fully extracting value from it. Try to share as much data as you can in a safe, compliant and responsible manner.

Protect Privacy, Comply With Regulations

Check whether your big data initiative violates privacy or government regulations. When in doubt, consult your legal and compliance organizations.

Safeguard Data

Always ask yourself what else you can do to mitigate the risk of breach or misuse.

Partner With Socially Responsible Groups

Always ask yourself what other groups you can work with to identify and push forward big data for good projects.

Understand Your Competitive Advantage

What is unique in your data and solution that will help society? Are you developing a groundbreaking solutions, or me-too solutions?

Strive for a Scalable Solution

Is your solution scalable? Try to develop one that benefits a large population and scales as demand increases.

Stay on the Cutting Edge

Ask whether you are using state-of-the-art technology to fully unlock the value of data.

Think Out of the Box

Big data for good projects are not always obvious. It's important to keep an open mind and to think out of the box when identifying and pushing forward such projects.

Concentrate on Pain Points

Does your solution address significant pain points of society? Concentrate on solutions that can have an impact.

Quantify the Impact

Ask yourself how to quantify the benefit of your solution to society and use it to guide your design and development.