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In this case study we look at how the global agriculture business Syngenta publishes open data to help evidence its commitments to being a more trustworthy organisation in the agriculture sector.

This case study is part of a project exploring the value of data sharing in the private sector. When sharing data, businesses face a range of challenges. A significant barrier is a lack of understanding of how increasing access to data can create business value, for example by enabling new business models, increasing efficiency or reducing costs.

To help address this, we have been documenting real-world examples of how the private sector is creating value from increasing access to data.

Key findings

  • Businesses are increasingly sharing data as a means of demonstrating that they are operating in a trustworthy way.
  • Although data sharing with regulators and the government is commonplace for businesses in regulated industries, making data available openly to potential consumers and partners is helping organisations build trust across the wider ecosystem.
  • Publishing open data on sustainability commitments is a key aspect of Syngenta’s open approach to business. Syngenta publishes a range of datasets on its progress towards sustainability goals and also shares wider research data to promote transparency and trustworthiness.
  • Promoting an open and transparent approach has provided reputational benefits and a competitive advantage for Syngenta. It has helped Syngenta’s employees better understand the company’s data; helped Syngenta build connections in adjacent sectors; and aided better engagement with supply-chain partners.
  • Syngenta promoting an open and trustworthy brand is helping others in the sector to share data, providing a virtuous cycle of increased understanding of biochemical research, and improved economic and environmental outcomes.

Read the full case study

[Google Doc]

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