From food production and climate change, to exploring space and genetically-tailored healthcare, the Data-Driven Innovation initiative is a cluster of innovation hubs that brings academic disciplines together to delve into some of the world’s most pressing challenges – using data to innovate.

Through the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University's joint role in the City Region Deal, we’re aiming to boost digital skills, promote entrepreneurship, and the adoption of data-driven innovation by 10 industry sectors.

Learn more about the impact of the Data-Driven Innovation initiative.

Black and white ariel photo of WW" bomb craters

Turning 30 million old photos into digital gold

Tim PowerFeb 7, 20257 min read

A major supercomputing project is digitising one of the world’s largest collections of aerial photos. Builders, the economy and even unsolved crimes could benefit.

blue closed lock and yellow open locks in an abstract image. They are trying ot show the cincept of big data

Unlocking the power of data 

Professor Kim GrahamJan 28, 20256 min read

Data is vital for shaping our future and driving progress across various fields. The Data-Driven Innovation (DDI) initiative seeks to capitalise on big data to spur economic growth. By focusing on innovation, education, and skill development, we pave the way for a future optimized by data.

An animated image showing people at work and leisure in city buildings

Guiding the use of AI towards cultural benefit

A consumer backlash to widespread application of AI in the creative industries shows why we need more judicious use of the technology to enrich our lives.