LMI Institute and CREC Host Data-Sharing Workshop
The Labor Market Information Institute, in collaboration with The Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, led the Sharing State Employment Records for Policy Analysis, Research, and Evaluation: A Workshop on Principles and Practice at the Pew Charitable Trusts on Friday, November 14th. The workshop supports research the LMI Institute and CREC are conducting on behalf of the Kauffman Foundation regarding state data confidentiality laws and regulations, as well as data sharing agreements.
The workshop brought together data users and producers with experience developing, negotiating, and implementing data-sharing agreements. With more than 20 federal and state level economic development, workforce, and labor market information professionals, as well as representatives from higher education institutions, associations, and foundations in attendance, the workshop was successful as participants were able to collaborate and discuss with one another about the issues and barriers encountered with data-sharing and proposed possible solutions.
Among the conversations throughout the day, one participant thoughtfully noted that data-sharing “…is a process that needs to be respected.” The LMI Institute and CREC appreciate all participants’ input. Their contributions will strengthen ongoing efforts to find ways to strike a balance between policy analysis and program evaluation.