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 advisory board 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.
