Data is today's DNA
Updated: Jun 11, 2025
In February 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick visited The Eagle pub in Cambridge and announced, "We have discovered the secret of life." A reference to their discovery of DNA which, earlier that day, the two scientists had discovered the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA.
DNA discovery changed the world forever, and with discoveries made daily, DNA, the building blocks of life, will eventually help protect us against other diseases, including dementia and cancers.
As DNA is for life, data is the building block of all 21st-century businesses, especially social care, where vast amounts of data are created and protecting the cared-for is a priority.
It's fantastic to see so many care providers investing in the many innovations in science and technology, but data must also be at the forefront of investment. The data you use and the data you create are the building blocks of your service. So why you keep it, what you own, how you can share it, and how you store it is just as important as all the other 'head office' decisions you and your operations teams make.
Here are Guided Innovation's assessment areas when thinking about your DNA/Data
Having the Right Systems
Knowing the data you have
Sharing with others
Managing your data
Having the right data skills and knowledge
Taking Responsibility for Data
Protecting your data
Managing and using data ethically
Making decisions with data
Setting your data direction
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