There are several challenges impacting an organisation’s ability to get the most out of its data and make effective decisions. Incompatible systems, outdated processes, mistrust in AI and a resistance to change, confusion around who to hire and when. Add to that the financial burden of maintaining high-quality data systems in a climate where budgets are tight and ROI is under constant scrutiny.

So, will it always be data tomorrow and never data today?

Despite the complex and all-pervasive role of data within an organisation, it’s important to recognise that the challenges you face are not insurmountable or uniquely yours. Yes, your data is tailored to your business and entrusted to your care, making governance a responsibility that must be prioritised, but your approach to leveraging that data can be far more flexible and expansive than you may think.

The Ipsos Data Council brings together nearly 30 global senior leaders on the front-line of the new era of data challenges to explore the shape of the problems and what’s needed to start tackling them. Our council members span a broad range of sectors and job functions, and were selected for their distinct perspectives, and the specificity of the challenges they face. This affords us a unique picture of the data landscape, so that we can surface both the meta trends that are affecting everyone, as well as the pitfalls and opportunities as you look to the future within your own organisations.

In this report, we explore what it takes to confront your data challenges – whether through strategy, leadership, the right expert partners, or, most likely, all three.

Continue reading to uncover the primary challenges and insights shared by our members.