A new research project has set out to improve how governmental organisations and public bodies work together to produce and analyse regional socioeconomic statistics that shape policy.
Reliable regional socioeconomic data is crucial for improving public service delivery, allocating funding and crafting evidence-led policies that tackle regional inequalities.
To produce this data and ensure it meets policymakers’ needs, stakeholders such as the Office for National Statistics (ONS), UK government departments, devolved governments, local authorities and enterprise agencies need to work together.
Yet, despite growing demand for accurate regional data and calls for more collaboration at the first UK Statistics Assembly, understanding of how collaboration takes place between these organisations remains fragmented.
While initiatives such as the Government Statistical Service’s Coherence Work Programme and ONS Local service aim to improve coordination, gaps persist in understanding how different stakeholders interact – and what changes are needed to help them work together more effectively.
Different perspectives
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde will investigate these challenges, interviewing civil servants and others involved in producing and using regional data, to understand their different perspectives and to co-develop solutions to enhance cross-organisational collaboration across the UK’s statistical system. The ONS is an external partner on the project, and the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) is supportive of this work.
Dr Sharada Davidson, of the Department of Economics, Fraser of Allander Institute and Economic Statistics Centre of Excellence, said: “This project is about listening carefully to different stakeholders, understanding their perspectives and breaking down silos so that regional data can better support policymaking not only at the national and devolved level, but the local level. The challenge isn’t just about producing more or better data – it’s about ensuring data is accessible and relevant to those who need it.
“We’ll explore a host of challenges, everything from different data collection strategies and difficulties data-sharing across organisations to local data users lacking capacity to use more advanced analytical techniques. Understanding the different needs of remote, rural and urban communities and the effects of English devolution is also key to ensuring regional data is fit for purpose and keeps up with the rapidly changing policy landscape.
Different stakeholders – from the ONS and devolved governments to local authorities – operate under different mandates, priorities, and resource constraints.
"Using a systems thinking approach, we’ll work directly with stakeholders to map out challenges and co-design practical solutions for stronger collaboration across the UK’s statistical system.
The project is funded by Strathclyde’s Institutional Funding for Research Culture Award, Cultures of Collaborative Research (Wellcome Trust) and Strathclyde Business School’s Cross-Disciplinary Research Fund.
Individuals at organisations who produce or use regional socioeconomic data and are interested in learning more or participating in the research via an interview can contact Dr Sharada Davidson at sharada.n.davidson@strath.ac.uk by 7 May 2025.