Most enterprise data was built for human-driven processes, not AI. The result is fragmented systems, unreliable outputs, and stalled investment. Enterprises are pouring capital into AI without the data foundations to make it work, and the cost of locking in the wrong approach compounds quickly.
The interchange for data and enterprise AI (IDEA) will set up a programme of research, community building, and peer learning to help enterprises of all sizes make the most of the promise AI holds through AI-ready data infrastructure and well-governed enterprise data. SAP is a founding sponsor of IDEA.
How we will deliver
Shared frameworks are essential for reducing the cost of AI adoption and helping organisations use AI responsibly. We are convening a diverse range of enterprise stakeholders (from SAP partners to data leaders across industries) to advance research on adapting data strategies for the AI era. Our goal is to help organisations of all shapes and sizes build trusted, vendor-agnostic data foundations. This work aims to provide actionable guidance on how to optimise infrastructure for AI readiness, ensuring compliance and innovation across modern, distributed data architectures.
Current context
The landscape of enterprise data architecture has evolved beyond a binary comparison of specific technologies. To capture the full value of AI solutions, organisations must navigate multiple evolving requirements. Our research expands the scope to examine a matrix of interactions: we are exploring how distinct AI generations (from classic ML, search, and predictive analytics to generative and agentic AI) interact with a broad spectrum of data management archetypes. This includes analysing the specific roles of data mesh, data fabric, and data products to determine how these architectures can best support the specific data requirements of different AI types.
The potential to drive change, the IDEA
This leaves a gap for a cross‑sector “blueprint” that can serve to translate between theory and practice sharing what is working and what is not. This will inform and empower organisations to make better decisions about how they govern enterprise data and what tools, practices and technologies they employ - to better evaluate vendor offerings and cut through the ‘hype’, while having autonomy over their data, and their use of and application of AI.
How you can get involved
Across the duration of the project, the ODI and SAP will establish the IDEA steering committee to govern and steer research priorities, publish research, and convene events with industry and academic experts to share initial insights. We are actively seeking involvement and funding from industry and wider sector stakeholders.
If you are interested in supporting this research or you think you have unique value to bring, please get in touch.
