In October 2018, IDFC Institute received in-principle approval for a grant from philanthropic investment firm Omidyar Network to set up a Data Governance Network for India. The idea is to develop a solid base of research that can inform data policy and practices. As the secretariat of the Network, IDFC Institute will convene stakeholders and organisations across research, practice/industry, government, standard setters (regulators) and users in various formats. We will also anchor a strong research agenda of our own. While the initial research is India-focussed, the goal is to use India as the staging ground to tie into the global conversation on data governance and provide an alternative to the approach of the United States, European Union, China and elsewhere.
The role for Data Governance Network will focus on the following broad areas:
The Network will be conducting primary research as well as writing policy papers on aspects of data governance.
The Network will regularly communicate with internal and external stakeholders across government, business, academia and citizens through various formats such as direct consultations, op-eds, videos, newsletters, annual reports and research compendiums.
The Network led by IDFC Institute will organise quarterly roundtables for policy paper discussions, host global fellows, convene working groups and organise conference(s).