As data becomes more ubiquitous, we see increasing attempts to understand the potential use of, as well as challenges and impact of utilization of data for informing decision-making and action across levels and sectors. However, the growing practice, by stakeholders in the private and public sectors, of solely using big data approaches to inform decision-making and policy-making, has a number of associated risks. Small data approaches, on the other hand, give people agency over decisions on what data is collected, what it is used for, and how it is used. The use of small data can potentially provide individuals with more actionable and relevant insights towards their aspirations and goals.

This research aims to contribute better understanding of individuals’ attitudes and values on health monitoring, as well as their current practice, including the use of information and communication technology (ICT) tools, towards health monitoring, in the context of SDG3. It investigates individuals’ data collection and monitoring practice; motivations and incentives for data use; and the dynamics between attitudes around data utility, sharing, and social sense-making and the willingness to share personal data with specific stakeholders. 

The findings of the research inform the development of ICT tools for indicators monitoring, consumption, and production to support the active engagement of individuals in the use of data towards the achievement of the SDG3.

RELEVANT OUTPUTS

• Thinyane, M. (2018). Towards Informing Human-centric ICT Standardization for Data-driven Societies. Journal of ICT Standardization, 6(3), 179-202.
• Thinyane, M. (2017b). Small data and sustainable development — Individuals at the center of data-driven societies. In 2017 ITU Kaleidoscope: Challenges for a Data-Driven Society (ITU K) (pp. 1–8). IEEE.
• Thinyane, M. (2017). Investigating an Architectural Framework for Small Data Platforms. In Data for societal challenges-17th Europea Conference on Digital Government (ECDG 2017) (pp. 220–227).
• Thinyane, M. (2018). Engaging Citizens for Sustainable Development: A Data Perspective. United Nations University Institute on Computing and Society.
• Christine D. I. & Thinyane M. (September, 2019). Small Data approaches provide nuance and context of health datasets. The Conversation.
• Thinyane, M. (2019). Operationalizing Data Justice in Health Informatics. In 2019 ITU Kaleidoscope – ICT for Health: Networks, Standards and Innovation (ITU K). IEEE.

TEAM MEMBERS
Mamello Thinyane; Debora Christine

STATUS
Ongoing

PROJECT BRIEF

ADDRESSING THE FOLLOWING SDGs: