About Data Vitality
Data and Economics
Otto Toivanen
The changing expectations around data fluency in preparing graduates for a data-driven workforce are discussed in relation to technological developments, dynamic data and social impact. In technological terms, the volume of collected data being stored is increasing exponentially along with the computational capacity for analytics. The potential impacts of open data directives on academic research are speculated upon in terms of research access to public data infrastructures, real-time reporting, designing data sets to benefit society, invention, licensing and commercialisation. What is the role of educational institutes in an increasingly data-driven society and what are the challenges involved in moving toward this framework?
Professor Otto Toivanen is chair of the Helsinki Graduate School of Economics’ Situation Room, a research group consisting of leading economists from Helsinki GSE, VATT Institute for Economic Research, and members of public authorities. It utilizes data from relevant public and private sources and produces regular reports for policymakers. https://www.helsinkigse.fi/research-group/covid-19/
Interviews by Edel O’ Reilly
Illustration by Olena Mohylna
Sound design by Oskari Martimo
Data and Law
Maria Rehbinder
Law and Data are discussed here with regard to intellectual property, data-based rights, trade secrets and commercial licensing of research. This interview unpacks the decisions at planning and policy levels for advising on open data practices in higher education including Creative Commons licensing, public sector information and commitments to research funders. Legal definitions of open data as a regulated asset in commercial and non-commercial contexts are addressed including the intersection with personal data and data subject rights under EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Finnish Data Protection Act. International examples of the legal framework for data-mining of copyright protected works to train AI are discussed in relation to acts of relevance to copyright holders of text and image.
Maria Rehbinder is Senior Legal Counsel at Aalto University advising on personal data, research data, copyright, trademark and design right related issues. She was a member of the Rights Management Committee of the Open Research and Science project (2014-2017) of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Finland.
Interviews by Edel O’ Reilly
Illustration by Olena Mohylna
Sound design by Oskari Martimo
Data and Quantum Technology
Jukka Pekola
Research infrastructures are platforms where research, industry and application in science and technology converge. Insights into OtaNano, a national research infrastructure located in Otaniemi campus is an example of one such forum for academia and industry. The long history of significant developments in the field of science and technology taking place at Otaniemi are discussed, providing a contextual timeline to the function of these facilities. While the attention and investment on innovation in the field of quantum technologies is accelerating, the issue of adequate supply of expert workforce presents industry challenges. It highlights the role of research and educational programmes and availability of state-of-the-art equipment, as well as importance of collaborative development efforts aimed at raising the quantum readiness of the society and industry at large, including InstituteQ. Is decision making between IP, academic publishing and commercialisation of innovation also influenced by these forums and proximity to industry?
Jukka Pekola is a Professor of Quantum Nanophysics at Aalto University. He is Scientific Director of OtaNano, a world leading research infrastructure in nanoscience and technology, and in quantum technologies. He leads the national centre of excellence in research, Quantum Technology Finland, and is currently acting Director of InstituteQ.
Interviews by Edel O’ Reilly
Illustration by Olena Mohylna
Sound design by Oskari Martimo
Data and Quantum Literacy
Sabrina Maniscalco
The field of quantum technology is discussed in terms of research infrastructures, education and innovation. From flagships Quantum Technology Finland and Institute Q, Aalto University is discussed in terms of its contributions to quantum technology developments in Finland and internationally. From qubits and cryptographic code, to quantum simulators, hardware and algorithms, anticipated developments in quantum computing are contextualised not only in terms of technological engineering, but also the vital role fundamental research and intellectual curiosity play in human-driven research breakthroughs. Is this balance being adequately addressed in terms of EU investment in quantum technology, or is industry application reducing the capacity for fundamental research? Outside of higher education, what is the role of citizen science and quantum literacy in society? Projects and Initiatives such as QPlayLearn which use gaming techniques to encourage public engagement with quantum technology are discussed in terms of learning styles, collective intelligence and providing expertise to public information.
Sabrina Maniscalco is an adjunct Professor in the Department of Applied Physics and the Centre for Quantum Engineering, Aalto University. She is also part of flagship research centres of excellence such as Quantum Technology Finland and Institute Q. She is also part of QPlayLearn, an online platform and learning resource for quantum science.
Interviews by Edel O’ Reilly
Illustration by Olena Mohylna
Sound design by Oskari Martimo
Data and ICT Policy
Jaana Sinipuro
Finnish Innovation fund SITRA exists to support research projects and works on issues around redefining the model for a European data economy. Through working with policy makers, ministries and private industry SITRA’s activities and investments work to promote human-centric data economies and fair data economies. As an independent organisation with an advisory role to government, SITRA provide an insight into how industry and policy makers are organising, exploiting and regulating data economies, data infrastructures and data governance. The healthcare system was one of the main pilot projects where data sharing was researched and trialled in addition to agricultural industry’s data-machine infrastructures. Data is discussed as a common good or infrastructure where access and sharing is rewarded. The role of decisions around data storage in terms of data gathering practices and sustainable ICT or green ICT practices are questioned with criteria for fair data maturity models, cybersecurity, data compliance and data literacy. Is the responsibility for communicating contracts and consent for data sharing with the individual user or with the service provider? How can incentives and transparency promote improved and sustainable practices for fair data sharing?
Jaana Sinipuro is an experienced ICT professional who works as Project Director responsible for the IHAN® – Human-driven data economy focus area and also sees to the final stages of the Digital Health HUB projects. The new IHAN® project expands the opportunities of data economy to develop a sector-neutral standard for consent-based exchange of information between various operators.
Sitra is an independent future-oriented fund that acts as a think tank, promoter of experiments and operating models and a catalyst for co-operation. As a fund directly accountable to the Finnish Parliament, Sitra’s decision-making processes are tied to parliamentary systems and their administration includes a Supervisory Board, Board and President.
Interviews by Edel O’ Reilly
Illustration by Olena Mohylna
Sound design by Oskari Martimo