Law academic wins impact champion grant for data analytic training

Prof Sophie Stalla-Bourdillon just won an ESRC IAA impact champion grant in order to train start-ups relying upon data analytics practices to develop innovative products and services.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is applicable since 25 May 2018 and is a game changer in the field of data protection. Data-driven emerging business models, in particular SMEs and start-ups, do not necessarily have the resources to fully understand the implications of the change of practices the GDPR requires. Sophie has been conducting research in the field with a view to assess whether the GDPR is effectively able to both ensure a high level of protection and offer an appropriate framework to support innovation. In her recent paper co-authored with Dr. Alison Knight, she argues that the GDPR could indeed do both. What seems to be essential for making the GDPR fit for purpose, however, is to transfer this knowledge to data-driven start-ups as early as possible in the life cycle of the development of their products and services, which is what this impact project is about.