Welcome back to blog 2 of the Global Data Barometer Use-case Series. Early this year, the Global Data Barometer announced a mini-grants program supported by ILDA, Research ICT Africa, and the D4D Network. The mini-grants were targeted at supporting the development of innovative research and data use activities using GDB data. This blog focuses on one of those projects developed by the Caribbean Open Institute (COI).
COI’s tool explores linkages between data ecosystems and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) report. Lila Rao Graham, Maurice McNaughton, and Suzana Russell, developed a tool to analyze the connection between a country’s GDB score and its progress towards the SDGs.
Fig 1. The dashboard interface
Overall, COI’s goal was to explore the assertion that a healthy data ecosystem is a pre-requisite for the achievement of the SDGs. The open and freely accessible dashboard is divided into three tabs:
- The first tab compares GDB scores against SDG scores, probing into whether strong national and regional data systems are indicative of progress in achieving the SDGs.
- The second tab delves into the relationship between specific GDB thematic modules, such as Climate Action, Health and COVID-19, Political Integrity, and their corresponding SDG Goals. This nuanced analysis allows for a deeper understanding of how thematic areas within data systems align with particular development goals.
- The third tab, the GDB Country Explorer, provides a platform for comparative exploration of GDB data across various countries, enabling users to gain insights into the data landscape on a global scale.
Following their research, Rao Graham, McNaughton and Russell have provided key insights into the relationship between SDG scores and GDB results. Their findings are summarized as follows:
- There is a clear and significant correlation between SDG and GDB scores, reinforcing the idea that robust national data systems are integral to achieving SDGs. This relationship indicates that better data management can lead to more effective implementation of SDGs.
- The correlation becomes more pronounced when comparing SDG scores with the GDB Capabilities score. This observation is invaluable for governments and policy-makers, suggesting that investing in data infrastructure and capabilities is a critical step toward fulfilling development objectives.
- When examining specific thematic areas, a consistency is observed between the GDB’s assessment in the Political Integrity domain and SDG Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Additionally, a relevant association is found between GDB metrics in the Health and Covid-19 domain and SDG Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
Summing up, the integration of GDB and SDG results, presented through an insightful dashboard by the COI, facilitates deeper research and exploration. This approach underscores the vital role of open and accessible data in the global effort towards sustainable progress.
We encourage you to engage with this topic further by utilizing their comprehensive tool!