Gregory Maciag: Data Revolution

Wednesday, 15 July 2015

Data Revolution

Government leaders in Africa have issued a statement about creating an African “data revolution”. Part of the aim is to bring “together diverse data communities and using a wide range of data sources, tools and innovative technologies, with a view to providing timely and disaggregated data for decision-making, service delivery, citizen engagement and information to drive Africa’s social, economic and structural transformation”.

It strikes me that in today's world, common data standards may be more important for development and cohesion than the tools used in the past – like ideology, language or currency. People need to share information if they are to perceive their common interests. They need transparency in information flow if they are to trust their representatives. And they need access to the wider global community enabled by standards. Maybe the EU could take a leaf out of the AU's book? Just saying. African Leaders

Posted on Wednesday, 15 July 2015 | Permalink

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New Book

My latest book presents the challenges members face when adopting industry standards as well as the opportunities that come as a result. It features my discussions with many people over many years and follows the foundation I set in my first book "The Business Information Revolution".

Industry standards are never adopted in a vacuum. They become part and parcel of all the trials and tribulations managers face in their day to day work. ACORD Standards are always part of a larger software development project that brings along people, priorities and politics. Adopting industry standards isn't simple, but the benefits far outweigh the problems of building and maintaining proprietary alternatives.

I trust that you will appreciate my frankness, identify with some of the challenges and learn from what others have done to pave the way.