A FESTIVAL focused on maximising the economic and social benefits of data-driven innovation begins today and runs until March 23 with over 45 events taking place across Scotland.

DataFest18 will showcase Scotland’s world-class data science capabilities with experts from around the globe visiting Edinburgh for Data Summit, the conference at the heart of the festival.

Taking place on March 22 and 23, Data Summit will feature speakers showcasing how data can make a positive difference to daily lives.

DataFest18 is organised by the Data Lab in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government. Sponsors include SAS, Merkle Aquila, Sainsbury’s Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland, Heineken and Barclays. UNICEF and Street Soccer are its charity partners.

Finance minister Derek Mackay, who is one of the keynote speakers at Data Summit, said: “I am delighted to give my support to DataFest18, which brings key figures from around the globe to Scotland and showcases our work in this area. Scotland already has impressive data infrastructure and skills, with world class research taking place in our universities and a thriving data business sector. We are now in a great position to seize the advantage of data-driven innovation to help boost our economy and become the data capital of Europe.”

The core mission of the Data Lab is to generate significant economic, social and scientific value from data for Scotland. Gillian Docherty, Data Lab chief executive said: “Scotland is recognised as one of the leading data science landscapes in the world. DataFest18 will showcase the nation’s leading role in data innovation on the international stage with the programme of events designed specifically to appeal to as wide an audience as possible.

“As well as the importance of ‘data-driven innovation’ and collaboration, the festival will specifically champion the power of ‘Data Warriors’ from diverse industries who act as catalysts to leverage the power of data. Through their efforts, the huge potential of data can be realised through the disruption across sectors – all areas, from personal health to smart transport, from shopping to energy efficiency, from business to public services and beyond.”