As 2024 comes to a close, it’s a moment to pause and reflect on a year filled with significant achievements for the Global Data Barometer (GDB). The journey towards implementing the second edition has been both challenging and rewarding, marked by rigorous research, strengthened partnerships, and a shared vision of fostering stronger, more inclusive data ecosystems worldwide.
This year, the team took critical steps to build on the foundation laid by the first edition. A comprehensive assessment of the inaugural GDB was completed, providing valuable insights into what worked well and where improvements could be made. This reflection was paired with detailed statistical analyses and a review of the thematic modules and overarching methodology. These efforts aimed to ensure the second edition captures the nuances of data ecosystems more effectively, offering insights that resonate across regions and sectors. Contributions from the Research Advisory Committee added depth to these updates, while ongoing analysis of secondary data enriched the evidence base for the Barometer.
Partnerships have played an essential role in advancing the GDB’s mission. Thematic organizations that supported the first edition — the Open Government Partnership, Transparency International, the Land Portal Foundation, Open Ownership, the Open Contracting Partnership, and the Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency (GIFT) — reaffirmed their commitment, offering their expertise and playing a key role in refining the methodology and supporting the training of researchers. This collaborative spirit extended to regional hubs in Africa (coordinated by the Local Development Research Institute), Latin America (coordinated by ILDA), and the Caribbean (supported by the Caribbean Open Institute), broadening and deepening the Barometer’s impact. A collaboration with the UN’s “Commit to Data” campaign has also brought fresh energy to efforts to enhance global data measurement practices.
While this progress has been exciting, the year was not without its challenges. Changes in the core team required the redefinition and filling of key roles, a process that prioritized expertise aligned with the evolving needs of the project. Despite these transitions, the team’s resilience ensured that work continued without major disruptions. Fieldwork is now almost finalized. The deployment of a customized survey tool, designed specifically to meet the project’s needs, has streamlined this process and laid the groundwork for robust, comparable insights.
As we look back on 2024, it is clear that this has been a year of resilience, collaboration, and growth. The challenges faced along the way have only strengthened the project’s foundation, preparing us for the release of the second edition’s results in the first half of 2025.
At the same time, efforts to enhance the project’s visibility and accessibility have progressed. Throughout the year, the GDB team actively participated in key global and regional events, amplifying our reach and reinforcing our commitment to fostering data ecosystems. Highlights include our participation in the EU Data Summit, the “Data Governance as a Bedrock for AI Governance” panel at Data for Policy 2024, our presence at the UN World Data Forum, where the GDB contributed to a discussion hosted by the Civic Data Lab on harnessing data exchange platforms to accelerate the SDGs, and our participation in America Abierta, further emphasizing the importance of open data in fostering transparency and accountability. These engagements not only showcased the Barometer’s insights but also reinforced its relevance in global and regional dialogues about data governance and policy. To further enhance accessibility, the design of the new GDB website is nearing completion, promising a user-friendly platform to communicate the project’s findings and resources effectively. This digital space will serve as a hub for sharing insights with policymakers, researchers, and the broader public, ensuring the Barometer’s work has a wide-reaching impact.
As we look back on 2024, it is clear that this has been a year of resilience, collaboration, and growth. The challenges faced along the way have only strengthened the project’s foundation, preparing us for the release of the second edition’s results in the first half of 2025. These findings will not only provide a deeper understanding of data ecosystems but also inspire action toward more equitable and sustainable development.
The progress achieved this year is a testament to the dedication of the GDB team and the unwavering support of its partners. Together, we are shaping a future where data is not just a tool but a catalyst for transformative change. As we prepare to enter a new year, we remain committed to this vision and look forward to sharing the fruits of this work with the world.
Here’s to a year well spent and to the promise of what lies ahead. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Wishing you all a reflective and hopeful end to the year,
The Global Data Barometer Team