Why build a nonprofit research lab? Introducing the Data Driven Decision Lab
The Opportunity
Today, behavior and decisions of both public and private actors are more traceable than ever thanks to:
- Big data and open datasets
- Ubiquitous smartphone usage
- Increasing public record transparency and online availability
Yet this opportunity remains largely untapped.
The Problem
While data is abundant, very few actors possess both the means and the motivation to:
- Gather the data
- Structure and analyze
- Share transparently
Those with the means (e.g., hedge funds, quantitative analytics firms) have no incentive to share insights publicly.
Those with the motivation (e.g., journalists, NGOs, local governments) often lack technical capacity, funding, or time.
The Gap
There is a systemic disconnect between resources and intent:
- Well-resourced actors hoard insights for profit-maximization.
- Mission-driven actors lack access to tools and know-how to perform social data science.
3DL aims to bridge this gap.
Our Approach to Bridging the Gap
3DL equips mission-driven actors with a three-part toolkit:
1. Curate Open, High-Value Datasets
We identify, clean, and organize the most valuable public datasets, making them accessible and ready for analysis.
2. Analyze with Nonpartisan Publications
Our research team produces unbiased reports and insights that let the data speak for itself.
3. Build Intuitive Tools
We create user-friendly dashboards and analytics tools that make data exploration effortless for everyone.
By turning raw data into trusted insight, we let every user reach their own evidence-based conclusions.
Examples of This Model
Research & Academia
Researchers using our UN voting dataset to uncover patterns and biases in international relations.
Education
Schools and universities using 3DL dashboards to teach international relations and history.
Civic Engagement
Civic actors checking whether education or infrastructure funds are being effectively allocated and deployed.
Humanitarian Aid
Optimizing GPS routes for aid delivery in difficult terrain to minimize risks and costs.
Neutrality as a Core Principle
Transparency, Not Advocacy
- Everything is open sourced: inspect datasets, methods, and visualizations
- Evidence does the talking
- Projects don't filter results and include full sources so anyone can verify the numbers and draw their own conclusions
Projects like our UN Voting Dashboard drive this neutrality: transparent, factual, and nonpartisan.
Our Philosophy
"Public data can be accessible to all. Knowledge should be shared. 3DL fosters education, awareness, and responsible action. Our belief is simple: Sharing knowledge is the first step toward meaningful change."
Mission Statement
To democratize evidence-based decision-making by delivering neutral, accessible data analytics that empower civil society.
Vision Statement
Evidence Powers Progress. A world where unbiased data insights are at everyone's fingertips, driving transparency, civic engagement, and real-time progress.
Our Methodology
3DL delivers impact through three interconnected pillars:
1. Open Data Infrastructure
Curated repository of datasets from trusted sources. We transform big and complex data into accessible resources.
2. Accessible Analytics Tools
User-friendly dashboards that empower users regardless of their technical capabilities.
3. Non-Partisan Reports
Research briefs, indices, and models built on public-interest data. Free to access and designed to inform.
Why Now?
Data is abundant, but its benefits are uneven. Most of the civil society lacks the skills to turn raw disclosures into insight, and transparency laws still produce opaque data dumps unless a "last-mile" translator makes them human-readable.
Closing Thoughts
3DL turns messy public data into clear, ready-to-use insight for NGOs and civic leaders who can't afford a data team. With our open dashboards and reports, anyone can see what's working, spot what's not, and act on the evidence.
If the facts are clear, meaningful action follows.
Evidence Powers Progress.
See more at datadrivendecisionlab.com