Thames Gateway Knowledge Platform
About the Knowledge Platform The Knowledge Platform is a web-based on-line data service portal which provides access to a wide range of information about Thames Gateway and its communities. It comprises a database of currently 1,300 indicators tracking a wide variety of dimensions of the Thames Gateway area. These indicators can be cross cut in a variety of ways to support a wide range of data analysis and evaluation. The particular value of the Knowledge Platform is building up a strong evidence base of how change is occurring in Thames Gateway, to inform appropriate responses and to develop understanding of how regeneration is succeeding.
The project started in September 2004 when the Local Futures Group were contracted to undertake a scoping study into the Knowledge Platform concept. The report LFG produced indicated significant support for a London Thames Gateway information observatory. The majority of consultees indicated that they would value a broad range of content with the specific categories of education and qualifications, demographics and employment structure suggested as particularly valuable. The capacity to benchmark Thames Gateway performance against other regions was seen as particularly beneficial.
As a result of the positive outcomes that emerged from the scoping study, Local Futures were contracted to produce a pilot version of the Knowledge Platform. To manage the project, a senior analyst was seconded from and paid for by the University of East London using its institutional Higher Education Innovation Fund grant and in conjunction, DCLG grant-aided the software development of the Knowledge Platform on a project basis as part of the ‘Action for Excellence’ programme. The Knowledge Platform is currently hosted by Thames Gateway London Partnership (TGLP).
The preliminary version was subsequently delivered in January 2005 and testing immediately indicated the potential usefulness of the tool. Data (480 indicators) were available for 13 boroughs down to ward level in Thames Gateway along with four analytical tools: mapping, ranking, comparison and profiling. Subsequently, the coverage of the Knowledge Platform was expanded to the whole of the Thames Gateway (20 boroughs) with three further analytical tools: change over time, scattergram looking at the relationship between any two indicators, and table which presents data in a crosstab format. In addition, software has been developed so that other data can be added to the Knowledge Platform.
The Knowledge Platform has been operational since 2005 on a password-access basis made available to staff of public agencies operating in Thames Gateway. Users include Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG), regional development agencies, sub-regional partnerships, local authorities and universities. The design of the system is intended to facilitate a wide range of users undertaking their own data manipulation and analysis as well as a core analytical capacity providing commissioned or other reports.
The official launch of the Knowledge Platform took place on July 11th 2006 at the Thames Gateway Parliamentary Group Annual Reception by Yvette Cooper, Minister for Housing.
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