What the research looked at 

Commissioned by the Department for Business and Trade, this research assesses five potential Smart Data use cases across sectors including property, retail, energy and trade. 

Using our unique Value Chain-based Simulation Modelling VCSM approach, stakeholder engagement and consumer research, we analysed how Smart Data could work in practice – mapping data flows, identifying key actors, and quantifying both the costs and benefits over a 15-year period.  

What we found 

Our analysis shows that Smart Data could deliver significant value to the UK economy, with the five use cases alone estimated to generate £26.3 billion in net social value between 2028 and 2043, alongside £3.6 billion in annual GDP contributions by 2043.  

Key benefits include: 

• Improved efficiency and productivity across sectors 
• Better consumer outcomes, including cost savings and increased choice 
• Reduced transaction failures and improved market functioning 
• Wider societal benefits such as reduced carbon emissions 

However, the research also highlights that costs and benefits can be unevenly distributed. Upfront investment – particularly in digital infrastructure and data standardisation – is often borne by data holders and public bodies, while benefits are more widely shared across consumers, businesses and the wider economy.  

Why it matters 

As Smart Data expands into new sectors, understanding the real-world costs and benefits of implementation is essential to designing effective policy and regulation. 

This research provides an evidence base to support decision-making, helping to identify where Smart Data can deliver the greatest value, what conditions are needed for success, and how risks can be managed. 

By grounding policy in robust economic analysis, the UK can unlock the full potential of Smart Data – driving growth, innovation and better outcomes across the economy. 

Read the full report 

You can read the full report, Understanding the costs and benefits of Smart Data use cases, on the GOV.UK website. 

If you want to further discuss any findings in this report or understand where the opportunities and costs lie, get in touch with Katie Burns at Katie.Burns@thepsc.co.uk  – we’d welcome a conversation.  

Also featured in

We're delighted that there has been substantial interest in the findings of the report - particularly with regards to the opportunities within homebuying - with the research having been reported in:

• IFA Magazine, 2026. Smart Data homebuying reforms could unlock billions for the UK economy.
• Financial Reporter, 2026. Smart data homebuying reforms could unlock £14.1bn for UK economy, government report shows.
• Today's Conveyancer, 2026. Smart property data could add £2bn to GDP; but only with legislative intervention.