Health and Social Care Data-Driven Innovation

Data-Driven Innovation Initiative

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The DDI initiative includes work across ten industry sectors; including Health and Social Care and Public Sector. The delivery hubs each focus on industry sectors in their area of expertise, coming together to help Edinburgh to become the Data Capital of Europe, creating wider benefits for the economy and society.

The delivery hubs

Bayes Centre

Easter Bush - Agritech

Edinburgh Futures Institute

National Robotarium (in partnership with Heriot-Watt)

Usher Institute

EIDF (Edinburgh International Data Facility)

Find out more on the Data-Driven Innovation Initiative website

Health and Social Care Sector

The Usher Institute leads on activity within the DDI initiative focused on the health and social care sector, hosting the Health and Social Care Data-Driven Innovation Programme. In September 2019 the City Region Deal Joint Committee approved the full Usher Institute business case, enabling data-driven advances across the sector.

Through the application of data science, the Health and Social Care Data-Driven Innovation Programme is driving innovation in health and social care that improves lives.

Opened formally in June 2025, the Usher Building at Edinburgh BioQuarter is a world-leading hub where health and social care research teams collaborate with colleagues from public, private and third sector organisations to deliver data-driven advances in health and social care.

Developed through the Health and Social Care DDI Programme, 'DataLoch' is a unique and secure data service supporting transformative research and innovation for the region and beyond. Robust, efficient governance and data-sharing protocols have been developed in partnership with the National Health Service, informed by public perspectives.