Organisations must prioritise data standards and culture if they are to unlock value from artificial intelligence, industry experts said at a London conference on Monday.
Speaking at Data Making a Difference, an event series organised by data quality firm Datactics, Stephen Davis, Regional Advocate at the Enterprise Data Management Association (EDMA), warned that firms risk underutilising even the most sophisticated tools if they neglect the cultural and structural foundations of data governance.
“Culture is the real catalyst,” Davis said. “Without it, even the best tools risk being underused or fail to be adopted entirely. Data is the key driver behind value, but it has to be clean, actionable, and connected to the goals people are trying to deliver.”
Davis argued that organisations making the most progress were those that combined clear ownership, consistent terminology, and a shared understanding across teams, rather than simply deploying advanced analytics. Standards, he added, could act as a “translator” between business ambitions and operational realities, enabling faster, more confident decision-making.
The conference highlighted a broader trend towards professionalising data management across sectors, from financial services to healthcare. Stuart Harvey, CEO of Datactics, said that treating data as a strategic asset and investing in its quality and accessibility was central to compliance, service improvement, and long-term resilience.
“When data is accurate, accessible, and aligned to real outcomes, it becomes a driver of long-term impact and resilience,” Harvey said.
Data Making a Difference brought together leaders from finance, healthcare, and the public sector to explore the practical applications of data in driving innovation, improving services, and fostering a stronger data culture. Sessions also covered regulatory compliance, AI in public services, and the role of reliable data in transforming organisational outcomes.
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