Lottomatica Foundation presents the Report “The Philanthropy of Data”

Lottomatica Foundation presents the new Report “Data philanthropy. Between definitions, cases, and operational tools. Toward a responsible data sharing ecosystem? “, edited by Alessia Borromeo, Eleonora Rossero and Franca Maino of Percorsi di Secondo Welfare.

The Report delves into a dimension that is increasingly central to the philanthropic world: the ability to put data-along with the skills and tools to analyze it-in the service of the common good, helping to make social interventions more effective, timely and targeted.

Data as a strategic lever for social innovation

Today, businesses and organizations collect vast amounts of information. If shared responsibly, these data can complement public data, providing more up-to-date and detailed information to better understand complex phenomena and guide evidence-based decisions.

Data philanthropy is based on just that: the voluntary sharing of data, expertise and tools among companies, foundations, public agencies, universities and the Third Sector to generate social value.

The Report analyzes the theoretical and regulatory framework, access and sharing models, and the main opportunities and critical issues related to this practice.

Opportunities and challenges in data sharing

Data sharing can strengthen collaboration between different actors, foster the emergence of territorial networks and support more informed decision-making processes.

Alongside the opportunities, however, significant challenges also emerge: privacy protection, information security, balance among stakeholders, reputational risk management, and the need for clear and shared rules.

For this reason, the Report stresses the importance of robust, transparent and participatory data governance that can ensure equity, accountability and trust among different stakeholders.

From healthcare to artificial intelligence: the fields of application

The study delves into some areas where data philanthropy can make a difference in creating public value:

– public health, with a focus on digital epidemiology and women’s well-being;

– the humanitarian sector, in emergency management and in countering human trafficking;

–artificial intelligence to support social and environmental impact measurement.

European and Italian case studies are also analyzed that show how data sharing can translate into concrete and replicable practices.

An ever-evolving path of research

With this new contribution, Lottomatica Foundation continues its in-depth study of the evolving models of philanthropy and the levers capable of generating social innovation.

Following the analysis devoted to trust-based philanthropy, which focused on the quality of relationships between funders and Third Sector organizations, the focus now expands to the strategic dimension of data as a collective good.

Similarly, the issues addressed in the Second FAST Report published last November and dedicated to early childhood services and social capital find an additional piece here: the building of collaborative ecosystems based on shared knowledge, widespread expertise and more informed decision-making.

Priorities for developing a responsible data ecosystem

Three strategic priorities for the future of data philanthropy emerge from interviews with experts in the field:

1. promote a shared culture of data;

2. strengthendigital literacy;

3. spread best practices and collaborative networks based on trust.

Investing in these areas means making more informed decisions, implementing more effective interventions, and contributing to the construction of an increasingly impact-oriented welfare, valuing data as a strategic resource for the good of communities.