In the 2024/2025 academic year, we partnered with the Scottish Government on three projects, delivering impact in public sector data, open data, and data standards. In the first project, our students helped develop a long-term vision for public sector data in Scotland, co-created with stakeholders across sectors. Outcomes include a roadmap for the Realisation Group, which will drive innovation, collaboration, and a stronger public sector data ecosystem. In the second project, our students designed a framework for purpose-driven open data case studies and created a pilot for an innovative gamified ‘Open Data City’ platform for storytelling to make open data accessible, interactive and meaningful for a wide range of stakeholders. And finally the third project involved compiling examples of effective use of standardised data, and producing a framework to communicate the benefits of standards in policy and service delivery. The framework highlighted how well-managed data improves services, supports vulnerable populations, and drives evidence-based decisions.
The DAIT Lab has also delivered innovative projects across other sectors. For instance exploring disruptive AI potentials in the banking industry, designing a digital gamified reward programme to drive sustainability initiatives in the private sector, and crafting the digitalisation of a donor programme for a leading charity.
These projects are supervised by an experienced academic team at the University of Edinburgh Business School, who bring together expertise in digital transformation, innovation management, and artificial intelligence. Through these projects, the lab demonstrates how students can deliver practical insights, innovative solutions, and tangible impact for clients across sectors.
Our clients have highlighted the impact of the projects, describing them as “thoughtful and innovative solutions that went over and above expectations,” valuing the “fresh perspectives and informed insights,” and noting how the work “helped us think more broadly about collaboration, engagement, and future opportunities.”
If you are interested to learn more about this opportunity, please contact the lab director Hajar Mozaffar h.mozaffar@ed.ac.uk