It’s very well calling for a revolution in data for use in post-2015 development, but what might such a revolution involve? The UN high-level panel report, which called for such a revolution earlier this year, gives little in terms of specifics, and the term itself was coined to get people talking, a European Development Days 2013 meeting heard last week (26-27 November).

Now what is actually needed to get better use of digital data in development?

The key messages coming out of the meeting were that support needs to be given not only to the national statistical offices in developing countries that are currently ill-equipped and reluctant to partake in such a revolution, but also to make sure there is a demand for such data from citizens and that the final packaging of data is easy to use and practical for improving delivery of public services and improving lives.