UK Strategy for Data Resources for Social and Economic Research 2009-2012

In the United Kingdom a group has been established to help ensure that the right data resources are created and made available to help inform the important choices that decision makers need to make. The group is the UK Data Forum. The members of the Forum come from national research councils, chief statisticians and researchers within government, the national statistics office, national library and national archives, devolved administrations, sub-national bodies and other organisations in the private, public and not for profit sectors. The current Strategy for Data Resources for Social and Economic Research: 2009-2012 sets out practical actions on areas for collaboration and the development of cross-cutting facilities. The strategy is owned by the members of the Forum and represents a statement of intent by them. A central feature of the current strategy, and one of the strongest themes from the consultation undertaken to inform its development, is the internationalisation of the research agenda. Actions in the strategy include initiatives to make collaborative agreements with other agencies within and outside the UK at national, European Union and international levels. The Forum believes that the potential for close working with colleagues in the UK and Germany is likely to be especially valuable.Sharing the strategy with you on this site is a first step in encouraging what we hope will be a deep and fruitful relationship in the future.