© 2025 MIT Center for Information Systems Research, Van der Meulen, Someh, Wixom, and Beath. MIT CISR Research Briefings are published monthly to update the center’s member organizations on current research projects.
Audio
Mobilize Your Data Democracy
Designing a data democracy can close the costly gap between data asset availability and use, as described in this audio edition of the September 2025 briefing.
Abstract
Many organizations fail to realize value from their data investments, with only an average of 28 percent of employees drawing on reusable data assets. This briefing positions as a solution establishing a data democracy: an organizational state where all employees have data access, skills, motivation, and guidance for strategic use. We present a framework showing how specific connecting structures, such as centers of excellence and cross-functional teams, can amplify democratization practices. By intentionally designing this organizational state, leaders can increase the use of their organization’s available data assets, achieve greater employee empowerment, and maximize financial returns on their data investments.
Related Publications
About the Researchers
Nick van der Meulen, Research Scientist, MIT Center for Information Systems Research (CISR)
Ida A. Someh, Senior Lecturer in Business Information Systems, UQ Business School, The University of Queensland, Australia and Academic Research Fellow, MIT CISR
Barbara H. Wixom, Principal Research Scientist, MIT Center for Information Systems Research (CISR)
Cynthia M. Beath, Professor Emerita, University of Texas at Austin and Academic Research Fellow, MIT CISR
MIT CENTER FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH (CISR)
Founded in 1974 and grounded in MIT's tradition of combining academic knowledge and practical purpose, MIT CISR helps executives meet the challenge of leading increasingly digital and data-driven organizations. We work directly with digital leaders, executives, and boards to develop our insights. Our research is funded by member organizations that support our work and participate in our consortium.
AlixPartners
Avanade
Cognizant
Collibra
IFS
ABN Group
Alcon Vision
ANZ Banking Group (Australia)
AustralianSuper
Banco Bradesco S.A. (Brazil)
Banco do Brasil S.A.
Bank of Queensland (Australia)
Barclays (UK)
BNP Paribas (France)
Bupa
Caterpillar, Inc.
Cemex (Mexico)
Cencora
CIBC (Canada)
Cochlear Limited (Australia)
Commonwealth Superannuation Corp. (Australia)
Cuscal Limited (Australia)
CVS Health
Dawn Foods
DBS Bank Ltd. (Singapore)
Doosan Corporation (Korea)
Ericsson (Sweden)
Fidelity Investments
Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B., de C.V.
Genentech
Gilbane Building Co.
Hunter Water (Australia)
International Motors
Jewelers Mutual
JPMorgan Chase
Kaiser Permanente
Keurig Dr Pepper
King & Wood Mallesons (Australia)
Mater Private Hospital (Ireland)
Nasdaq, Inc.
Nomura Holdings, Inc. (Japan)
Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. Systems Consulting Division (Japan)
Novo Nordisk A/S (Denmark)
OCP Group
Pacific Life Insurance Company
Pentagon Federal Credit Union
Posten Bring AS (Norway)
Principal Life Insurance Company
Ralliant
Ramsay Health Care (Australia)
Reserve Bank of Australia
RTX
Saint-Gobain
Scentre Group Limited (Australia)
Schneider Electric Industries SAS (France)
Tabcorp Holdings (Australia)
Telstra Limited (Australia)
Terumo Corporation (Japan)
Truist Financial Corporation
UniSuper Management Pty Ltd (Australia)
Uniting (Australia)
Vanguard
WestRock Company
Wolters Kluwer Financial & Corporate Compliance
Xenco Medical
Zoetis Services LLC
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MIT CISR wishes to thank all of our associate members for their support and contributions.