The Shift: Your open questions about agents, honest discussions Unpacking data governance and stewardship in the age of AI | GovLab
Jul 1, 2025
Stefaan Verhulst, Co-founder and Chief Research & Development Officer at GovLab, dives into the intricate world of data governance in the AI era. He discusses responsible data use for societal improvement, highlighting the opportunities and risks of data reuse. Verhulst contrasts public versus private sector data responsibilities and introduces the concept of social license for ethical data collaboration. He explains how generative AI democratizes access to information and tackles challenges of unstructured data, advocating for a shift from ownership to stewardship in data management.
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Data Reuse Is A Societal Opportunity
- Digitalization created vast reusable data byproducts that can solve societal problems if governed responsibly.
- Stefaan Verhulst warns we must prevent both misuse and missed uses of data.
Everyday Digital Trails Hold New Value
- Digital trails from everyday digital actions create new datasets that can be repurposed for urban planning and services.
- Stefaan emphasizes reuse potential but stresses alignment with people's expectations.
Design A Business Case For Sharing Data
- Seek business-aligned reasons to share data so collaborations become sustainable rather than one-off CSR acts.
- Use reciprocity and outsourced R&D as concrete incentives to open data for public benefit.