Our mission
IDEA is an independent, executive-led body that advances the global conversation on data architecture and AI readiness. We occupy a deliberate space between academic research and practical enterprise execution, translating rigorous, evidence-based analysis into insight that senior leaders can act on. Founded in 2025 and sponsored by SAP, IDEA operates as a hosted programme with the full support of one of the world’s leading data research institutions, the ODI. It is vendor-neutral, practitioner-led, and committed to producing work that matters beyond any single organisation or technology platform.
What we do
IDEA forums – Invitation-only, peer-led executive discussions held in major global cities. Each forum directly informs our research agenda.
Primary research – Academically grounded research briefs and publications on data architecture, AI readiness, and data governance. Produced in partnership with the ODI.
Executive contributions – A platform for senior practitioners to shape the evolving conversation through co-authored research, forum participation, and research council engagement.
ODI partnership – Our founding programme partner provides independent research infrastructure, academic credibility, and a global network committed to the responsible use of data.
Our values
Independence: IDEA is vendor-neutral and independently governed. Our research reflects no single technology platform or commercial agenda.
Rigour: Our work is grounded in evidence – primary research, peer dialogue, and the academic standards of the ODI.
Impact: We exist to close the gap between where data architecture research is and where enterprise execution needs it to be.
Get in touch
If you would like to discuss opportunities to be more involved in the IDEA programme, including sponsorship, please contact [email protected]
