Data plays a central role in modern society. Yet, it’s increasingly associated with misuse and mistrust—perhaps nowhere more so than in Germany.
The Civic Data Lab is aiming to defy this convention. A joint initiative by the Society for Computer Science (Gesellschaft für Informatik), CorrelAid, and the German Caritas Association (Deutscher Caritasverband) is working to empower organisations to harness data for the public good.
From civil society, for civil society
Since July 2023, the Civic Data Lab has been operating on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ). Their mission has been to empower civil society organisations to share and use data more effectively in the hope that this data can benefit society rather than threaten or surveil it. It’s a shift in thinking that’s only just beginning to gain traction.
As Dr. Springer, Managing Director and Chief Scientific Officer of MI4People, puts it: “The public sector urgently needs access to [data] so it can do good for people.”
A clear example of how ethically shared data can improve public services is in the Sport for Development sector. By making existing datasets—such as those on youth sport participation or the impact of sport on wellbeing—more accessible, resource-stretched organisations can save time and focus their efforts where it matters most, without having to conduct or source this data themselves. Instead of duplicating research, they can build on existing insights to drive greater impact in less time and with fewer resources. The recent partnership between the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and Civic Data Lab is proof of this.
“Data is the fuel of the future”
Data is not going anywhere. In fact, its prominence in our societies is set to rise. In the words of Dr. Springer, “data is the fuel of the future”. Understanding how to harness it ethically and effectively is no longer optional. For those looking to build fairer, smarter and more resilient systems, outdated views on keeping data hidden away must evolve.
People across sectors—civil society, academia, policy and beyond—are potentially due to benefit from Civic Data Lab’s program. They can visit their website or meet in person at one of the community hubs for resources on a whole range of data-related topics. These include packets with information on collecting, analysing, linking and sharing data, whether from their own work or external sources.
This “collective knowledge base” and the tailored training programs they offer not only serve to boost the success of projects of participating organisations, but also help them navigate the complexities of working with data in Germany. Their Civic Data Community nurtures a growing network of data practitioners who share experiences, develop new ideas and collaborate directly in a dedicated workspace in the southern city of Freiburg.
The Civic Data Academy, meanwhile, makes existing learning and training opportunities on data easily accessible—free of charge. These are available online or in person, catering to every level of expertise. We tested their resources and were impressed. Their interactive data lifecycle resource in particular (in German only, unfortunately) was clear and well-informed.
Ultimately, the narrative around data in Germany and the rest of the world needs to change. We need to go from an attitude of fear and mistrust, as forgivable as this might be, to one of empowerment and responsibility. Education, conversation and accessibility are all obvious places to start. The Civic Data Lab’s offering of practical guidance, a vibrant community of practice and developing tailored educational formats is, at the very least, starting the conversation.
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