Mobilising UK Data and AI for All with a National Grid of Civic Learning Systems

Aim:

We propose regional incentives and national infrastructure developments to build a national grid of civic learning systems – the Grid – harnessing multi-source data for public service innovation, science, AI engineering and inclusive economic growth.

Objectives:

The following objectives establish the critical national structural factors required to enable a unified network of civic data and learning systems across the UK. These components will serve as the foundational architecture – analogous to power lines and pylons connecting civic data-action ‘power stations’ on a national grid. This infrastructure will facilitate secure data sharing, standardised practices, and collaborative innovation while ensuring local autonomy and flexibility to address regional needs within a diameter of trust (public trust and practical joint accountability and mutual aid between organisations). By creating these essential connecting elements, we can transform currently isolated data initiatives into an interconnected ecosystem that drives public service improvement, scientific advancement, and economic growth through data-driven innovation.