Micro Matters, a joint publication by Reliance Foundation and Observer Research Foundation, examines eight data-led development initiatives from India
Offers eight lessons applicable in other contexts, especially in the Global South
Aims to advance the ‘data for development’ agenda of India’s G20 Presidency
New Delhi, March 03, 2023: Micro Matters: Using Data for Development in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a publication by Reliance Foundation and Observer Research Foundation (ORF) on how data is driving social impact at the grassroots, was launched today at the Raisina Dialogue 2023. The book is the third in a series by Reliance Foundation and ORF about transformations in development and governance.
Micro Matters explores eight interventions by organisations in India that are advancing the country’s D4D agenda by gathering data; processing it to evolve insights; translating insights into actions; and making a social impact. It also identifies key replicable lessons from the design and execution of these initiatives.
Introducing the book, Mr. Jagannatha Kumar, CEO, Reliance Foundation, said the cases it describes are examples of the D4D approach that is a core priority of the Indian G20 Presidency. “Micro Matters shows how organisations in India use data to drive sustainable development in healthcare, education, disaster preparedness, women’s empowerment, and agriculture. With India recognised by many as representing the interests of the Global South both within and beyond the G20, there is no better time than now to integrate the principles of D4D into the global development agenda,” he added.
Dr. Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), said that India’s status as a global digital powerhouse makes it a key voice in the evolving discourse on D4D. “India launched a series of potentially game-changing data initiatives in the run-up to its G20 Presidency, including efforts to make datasets publicly available; strengthen measures for data privacy and security; and use emerging tech to engage with data. The cases in Micro Matters reflect many of these imperatives,” he noted.
Lessons from Micro Matters
The eight D4D-related lessons from Micro Matters are: (i) Amalgamate tech-based data collection with the use of legacy datasets and knowledge; (ii) Use dashboards to communicate real-time data and trends to decision-makers; (iii) Optimise the use of emerging technologies to collect and analyse data; (iv) Incorporate ancillary services into the design of D4D interventions; (v) Build trust by ensuring data confidentiality and security; (vi) Visualise the scalability and replicability of D4D projects from their conception; (vii) Provide alternate solutions where connectivity and access are a challenge; and (viii) Work collaboratively and adopt a multi-stakeholder approach.
From AI for smallholder farmers to dashboards for maternal health, the real-life experiences in the publication go beyond data and interventions, and offer pathways for lasting change.
For more information on our partner organisations for this initiative and to download the publication click here: https://www.reliancefoundation.org/micro-matters
About Reliance Foundation
Reliance Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries Limited, aims to play a catalytic role in addressing the India’s development challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions. Led by Founder and Chairperson Smt. Nita Ambani, Reliance Foundation is relentlessly working to facilitate transformative changes for the overall wellbeing and higher quality of life for all. Reliance Foundation is focused on addressing the nation’s development challenges in rural transformation, education, health, sports for development, disaster management, women empowerment, urban renewal and arts, culture and heritage, and has touched the lives of more than 66 million people across India, in more than 54,200 villages and several urban locations.
For more information, please visit https://www.reliancefoundation.org/
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About Observer Research Foundation
Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is an independent think tank based in India. It seeks to lead and aid policy thinking toward building a strong and prosperous India in a fair and equitable world. It helps discover and inform India’s choices and carries Indian voices and ideas to forums shaping global debates. ORF focuses actively on the use of technology for sustainable development, critical and emerging technologies, and the interaction of tech policy and geopolitics, among other areas of research, analysis and engagement. ORF is serving as the Think20 Secretariat during India’s G20 Presidency.
For more information, please visit https://www.orfonline.org/
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