In this case study we look at how the global agriculture business Syngenta publishes open data to help evidence its commitments to being a more trustworthy organisation in the agriculture sector.
This case study is part of a project exploring the value of data sharing in the private sector. When sharing data, businesses face a range of challenges. A significant barrier is a lack of understanding of how increasing access to data can create business value, for example by enabling new business models, increasing efficiency or reducing costs.
To help address this, we have been documenting real-world examples of how the private sector is creating value from increasing access to data.
Key findings
- Businesses are increasingly sharing data as a means of demonstrating that they are operating in a trustworthy way.
- Although data sharing with regulators and the government is commonplace for businesses in regulated industries, making data available openly to potential consumers and partners is helping organisations build trust across the wider ecosystem.
- Publishing open data on sustainability commitments is a key aspect of Syngenta’s open approach to business. Syngenta publishes a range of datasets on its progress towards sustainability goals and also shares wider research data to promote transparency and trustworthiness.
- Promoting an open and transparent approach has provided reputational benefits and a competitive advantage for Syngenta. It has helped Syngenta’s employees better understand the company’s data; helped Syngenta build connections in adjacent sectors; and aided better engagement with supply-chain partners.
- Syngenta promoting an open and trustworthy brand is helping others in the sector to share data, providing a virtuous cycle of increased understanding of biochemical research, and improved economic and environmental outcomes.
Read the full case study
[Google Doc]
Many businesses are embracing the sharing of data, and are seeing tangible benefits for their organisations and across their entire sectors. Josh D’Addario, Consultant at the ODI, has been talking to these organisations and researching the benefits. Josh shares his top seven reasons why businesses should be sharing data.
The ODI is engaging with private-sector companies to show how sharing data can positively impact the bottom line.
We are already seeing open approaches to data happening in sectors such as physical activity, banking, and pharmaceuticals.
This project seeks to demonstrate the business value of sharing data to a sector, network or individual business, looking at how an organisation might benefit in terms of innovation, network capabilities, and brand positioning.
Get in touch with our team to discuss the potential for your organisation to get more from data, join our events and follow our research
We’re currently developing a toolkit to help people working in the private sector to plan their data sharing strategies. It is due to be created by the end of March, so please share your details below to receive the toolkit when it’s ready.