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Beyond data egoism: let’s embrace data altruism 

 

 

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When it comes to data sharing, there’s often a gap between ambition and reality. Many organizations recognize the potential of data collaboration, yet when it comes down to sharing their own data, hesitation kicks in. The concern? Costs, risks, and unclear returns. At the same time, there’s strong enthusiasm for accessing data. 

 

This is the paradox we need to break. Because if data egoism rules, real innovation is out of reach, making the need for data altruism more urgent than ever. 

 

The power of a coalition of the willing 

After a year at FTI, one thing has become clear: pushing for data altruism isn’t just about making the case – it’s about finding the right partners. That’s why, from the start, we’ve been looking for companies for our FTI Alliance that don’t just see data unlocking as a risk, but as an opportunity. Organizations that understand that collaboration isn’t just about extracting value but about creating it. 

 

History shows that one-way collaborations rarely work. Successful businesses don’t operate in isolation – they thrive in ecosystems. Think of any major breakthrough in technology, science, or even business strategy: it didn’t happen in a vacuum. The Human Genome Project, for example, was only possible because researchers worldwide shared genetic data, leading to revolutionary medical advances such as targeted cancer therapies and better understanding of rare genetic disorders.  

 

Companies that open up, connect, and contribute tend to be the ones that move the needle. 

  • SuperNova 25 , - 1 week (3)

    Frank Hamerlinck: "History shows that one-way collaborations rarely work. Successful businesses don’t operate in isolation – they thrive in ecosystems."

Lessons from a year in the trenches 

I always knew that advocating for data sharing wouldn’t be easy. I expected pushback, resistance, and skepticism. But what stands out today in Europe is a shifting mentality, where reason prevails. More and more leaders recognize that unlocking data is essential to staying competitive on a global scale, and they understand that we must do so while upholding our European values. However, the real challenge lies in translating this growing willingness into concrete action. Many acknowledge its importance in principle, but few are ready to take the first step. And that’s a challenge we need to address – not just as organizations but as a society. 

 

Maybe it’s time to rethink the financial equation. Take Norway, for example: today, over 90% of new cars sold there are electric. Not because people suddenly became environmentalists overnight, but because smart policies made electric vehicles the most cost-effective choice.  Drivers of electric vehicles pay lower registration costs, less road tax and are exempt from tolls. 

 

Could we apply the same logic to data? What if we actively incentivized data sharing, making it not just the right thing to do, but he most valuable choice? 

 

While we’re not there yet, one thing is clear: the value of data doesn’t lie in keeping it locked away – it grows when it’s shared. That’s why we’re not waiting. We’re taking concrete steps to make data collaboration the norm.  

 

From vision to action: launching the FTI Data Catalog 

To break down barriers and accelerate data-driven innovation, we’re launching the FTI Data Catalog – a step toward making data sharing easier, more transparent, and more impactful. 

 

The catalog provides a structured, accessible overview of available datasets, from location data and financial data to well-being data. It allows organizations to discover, understand, and responsibly leverage data with ease. Whether you’re looking for insights to fuel innovation, enhance decision-making, drive new partnerships or unlock new value from your own data, the catalog is built to support open and secure data exchange. 

 

Feeling curious? Explore the catalog 

 

By making data more accessible, we’re laying the foundation for a culture of collaboration. The road to data altruism is long, but it’s one worth walking. The future belongs to those who dare to share!