Representatives from various sectors participate in international workshop on big data for measuring the digital economy

Over three days, the representatives attended panels and engaged in tutorials and practical activities to develop big data projects.

We are living in the era of data-driven innovation. Humans and machines are generating and providing an increasing volume of information that needs to be processed and analyzed to be translated into actions for social welfare and economic development. In this context, representatives from different sectors—Government, businesses, academia, and civil society—gathered for three days to discuss concepts related to big data and learn to operationalize projects through partnerships between data users and producers focused on public interest.

Organized by the Data-Pop Alliance, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC), and the Regional Center for Studies on the Development of the Information Society (Cetic.br) of the Brazilian Network Information Center (NIC.br), the "Big Data for Measuring the Digital Economy" workshop took place from September 26 to 28 at NIC.br headquarters in São Paulo. The meeting featured panels, presentations, group work, and technical tutorials.

Aiming to develop skills for understanding conceptual, technical, methodological, political, and ethical aspects behind the big data paradigm and its impact on socioeconomic development, the workshop focused on practical activities, ranging from the conception of a big data project to the use of programming and data visualization tools. Besides these activities, the event included panels with renowned experts who contributed to reflections on various issues involved in the use of big data.

On the first day, the workshop featured Emmanuel Letouzé (Data-Pop Alliance) presenting on policies, societies, and literacy in the era of big data, while Wilson Peres (UNECLAC) addressed the impacts of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

"We face significant challenges, including methodological problems in using organic data (or big data) for statistics production, access to private companies' data, especially from social networks and telecom operators, and training professionals to collect, process, understand, and make the best use of the data," highlighted Alexandre Barbosa (NIC.br/Cetic.br), who moderated the first panel on the "Big Data Ecosystem in Brazil."

The Brazilian scenario and the importance of public policies, including the Brazilian Strategy for Digital Transformation and the National Internet of Things Plan, were commented on by Miriam Wimmer (MCTIC) during the meeting. "When discussing government, data is central. We need, on one hand, to learn how to use big data for public policies and, on the other, create a legal security ecosystem for businesses."

Denise Silva (ENCE/IBGE) noted that to enhance statistics from big data, all Brazilians need access to the internet. "We have different types of data that are not produced to elucidate social issues. We need to combine data from various sources to have the full picture, which is not easy."

Data processed at large scale, distribution, and speed require new paradigms, reminded Prof. Eduardo Francisco (FGV). From an academic perspective, big data research projects involve everything from algorithm experimentation, the creation of new techniques, machine learning, and deep learning, to the use of new devices like drones and nano satellites. "Other areas like information technology management, organizational behavior strategy tend to evolve. Big Data will be able to illuminate how to deal with different cultures, how to make better use of geographic information," he stated.

Paschoal D'Auria (IBM Brazil) presented the private sector perspective, emphasizing the potential of marketing campaigns with surgical precision. "Big Data is about execution and personalization. It should be used to bring results, assist in decision-making, and add value quickly and easily," he pointed out. Meanwhile, Natalia Mazotte (School of Data) provided examples of data use in projects in sanitation, education, and public resources. "When we empower civil society to use data, we can produce very interesting results for democracy."

Local experiences

Big Data is key to creating and improving a wide range of services. In the second panel, "Big Data to Measure the Digital Economy—Local Experiences," moderated by Alejandro Patiño (UNECLAC), Professor Wagner Meira Jr. (UFMG) commented on the "Dengue Observatory" project which, through data extraction from social networks, enabled the detection of dengue epidemic locations in Brazil. "Data collection and processing, low information quality, the lack of a decision-making culture based on data, market concentration, bias, and lack of transparency are current challenges."

Karin Breitman (Association for Computing Machinery) noted that problems are synonymous with opportunities. She explained how a data analysis project to understand mobility in Rio de Janeiro allowed for bus use rationalization and fleet reduction. "How can I reduce inefficiencies to save money? This is where big data can help." Prof. Silvio Meira (Porto Digital) emphasized that future possibilities with big data are limitless. "We are entering the domain of IoT (Internet of Things), but we will truly have the IoE (Internet of Everything). We will connect things we are not even thinking of now and develop new forms of organizations," he noted.

The experiences of using big data in the city of São Paulo were presented during the event with contributions from Daniela Swiatek (Mobilab) and Fernando Nogueira (São Paulo City Hall). Daniela highlighted Mobilab's work in partnering with startups to develop solutions for the government and citizens. "Data and sensors, ticket sales systems, taxi and private bus geolocation, radars, traffic light control, and surveillance cameras are important information sources," she listed. Fernando Nogueira (São Paulo City Hall) emphasized "the challenge of balancing quick and lasting achievements, considering the scenario of government discontinuity." He noted that many databases were built from bureaucratic perspectives, without considering citizens' needs. Nogueira also presented the City Hall's project for mapping flood-risk areas.

Data protection

"Privacy is increasingly less about personal preferences and more about controlling our own lives," warned Prof. Danilo Doneda (UERJ) in the third panel, "Legal Framework for Ethical Data Use in Brazil," moderated by Tatiana Jereissati (NIC.br/Cetic.br). "If the data exists, it will be used for all purposes, good and bad. We have the responsibility to understand the consequences of data misuse, situations that can result in prejudice and discrimination, and protect individuals," Doneda emphasized, reinforcing that data protection is a fundamental right.

"How can the law limit big data use if the technology was designed to expand this use?" questioned Bruno Bioni (NIC.br Legal Advice). He warns of the illusory dichotomy between personal and anonymous data, as technological advancements enable the identification of individuals from minimal information. "What type of regulatory policy should be implemented for ethical data use? Scenarios and events are unpredictable. We need co-regulation where all stakeholders must measure, manage, and control the risks," he opined. Instead of punitive actions, Bioni advocates for rewarding good practices, such as products that consider privacy by design.

Thiago Tavares (CGI.br/Safernet Brazil) highlighted the importance of algorithm transparency. "We have no idea how data is processed or how algorithms work. This happens for two reasons: the lack of a personal data protection law and confidentiality in the business world," he analyzed. Thiago emphasizes that this issue should be discussed in a way that preserves intellectual property. "It's important for algorithms to understand the difference between types of data—good and bad—so that innovation is fostered."

Access the photos of the "Big Data for Measuring the Digital Economy" workshop: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nicbr/albums/72157685825201252.

(Photo: Ricardo Matsukawa)

This content was automatically translated with the support of artificial intelligence.