1. Developing and improving data resources for social science research The National Data Strategy A plan for the development of data resources for research in the social sciences Session on ESRC Resources Infrastructure 20 th July 2006, Research Methods Festival, Oxford

2. Developing and improving data resources for social science research What is the National Data Strategy? The National Strategy for Data Resources for the Social Sciences is a plan to develop and maintain a robust data infrastructure, ensuring that relevant and timely data are available to inform and address future research priorities in the social sciences.

3. Developing and improving data resources for social science research - Currently no clear mechanisms to link future research to data resources. - Funding of the increasing portfolio of resources now beyond the means of single agencies. - Duplication of efforts in some areas. - Problems of data access, availability. Why do we need a National Data Strategy? Developing and improving data resources for social science research

4. - Fact-finding activities. - Establishing the UK Data Forum. - Identifying the key research challenges. - Short term/medium term actions to promote and develop the strategy. - Consultation process. The National Data Strategy - how is it being developed?

5. Developing and improving data resources for social science research - Ageing population - Migration - Globalisation - Childhood development Identifying the key research challenges

6. Developing and improving data resources for social science research Ageing population Migration Globalisation Childhood development Census and population surveys Administrative data Longitudinal surveys Socio- medical data Business and economic data International macro/micro data Data types

7. Developing and improving data resources for social science research What progress are we making in implementing the National Data Strategy? Longitudinal data resources National Longitudinal Strategy Committee commissioned a Review of Panel and Cohort Studies. Proposed enhancement to BHPS and new birth cohort around 2012. Now planning new UK longitudinal household-based study (c. 40,000 households, commencing in 2008). Expert group taking forward recommendations from the Review.

8. Developing and improving data resources for social science research What progress are we making in implementing the National Data Strategy? Census and population survey data Plans now underway to provide improvements in access to Census 2011 data. Major enhancements being developed by the ONS for wider coverage of population in survey sources. Collaboration with ESRC Census co-ordinator for JISC/ESRC support for these developments.

9. Developing and improving data resources for social science research Administrative data Agreed with a number of major government departments of need for a detailed review of the research potential of a certain number of databases (DWP, ONS, HMRC, Home Office, NHS). Proposals for major facility to be developed by November 2006. Business, management and commercial data Review of needs and availability of commercial transactions data and organisation-based data Progress in implementing the National Data Strategy

10. Developing and improving data resources for social science research Linked biomedical/socio-economic data Working with the MRC and Wellcome Trust to establish gateway procedures to key linked resources (1946 cohort, ALSPAC, 2002 biomedical sweep of NCDS). Data access Establishing a flexible licensing regime. Developing remote access to secure microdata. Working with medical scientists to facilitate access to socio-medical data. Progress in implementing the National Data Strategy

11. Developing and improving data resources for social science research International data resources Beijing conference 2007 (International Data Forum) Microdata scoping studies (China, Brazil, India, South Africa, Mexico) Working with Eurostat and European Commission to improve EU harmonised statistics Progress in implementing the National Data Strategy

12. Developing and improving data resources for social science research to facilitate research at the boundary between the medical and the social sciences (genetics, mental health, lifestyle, etc.) to facilitate research on child development and social change studying the nature and impacts of migration stimulating comparative cross-national research to facilitate research on global problems What is the strategic importance of these developments?