Big Data: what and why

Increasingly sophisticated hardware and software technologies enable the collection and analysis of unprecedented volumes of data. These offer the potential for wide-reaching value creation in the public and private sectors. Implementing big data applications in a responsible manner calls for research on all aspects of big data, including computational infrastructures, data analysis methods as well as ethical guidelines and legal frameworks.

Ever more digitalised public, private and personal spheres produce ever larger datasets. Big data commonly refers to datasets whose size and other properties challenge current information and communication technologies, so demanding new solutions. Beyond size (or volume), “big data” also encompasses the speed of data creation and processing, its variety and its veracity. The scope of big data therefore evolves continuously as technologies advance.

Big data tracks a growing part of our social, professional and individual lives, and of business transactions, industrial devices or scientific research. Some big datasets are personal, some are not. The data is collected by websites, apps, cameras as well as by sensors deployed in smartphones, vehicles, industrial production lines or environmental monitoring systems.

NRP 75 has made significant contributions across the whole value chain and has strengthened the ability to invent big data technologies, deploy applications and inform regulation in Switzerland.

The importance of strong research – in Switzerland

Maintaining highly competitive big data research in Switzerland is of strategic importance for several reasons.

• It is crucial to stay in touch with international developments that shape big data. Swiss research and innovation projects only gain access to world experts and the newest insights if they have something to offer,- as the best work only with the best.
• Switzerland’s current high-level research and education has attracted important big data companies to the country, and some major corporate research centres.
• Switzerland must make sure it can educate, attract, and retain specialists in big data, which will be ever more sought after internationally.
• Many aspects of big data, particularly the ethical, legal, and societal aspects, are specific to Switzerland so require insights from scientists working in Switzerland.
• Multinational companies often push the limits of big data technologies, and increasingly determine the field’s course. Keeping some control over technology and direction requires a strong public research community.
• Research helps ensure that the public is informed. Scientists contribute to disseminating new research results and helping the public, the government and private companies make informed contributions to democratic processes and decision-making.
• High-quality research contributes to high-quality education, crucial for a skilled private and public workforce.