From pilot project to strategic initiative

Following a pilot project in 2017, SDU’s Board and senior management decided that SDU Analytics should run a strategic project from 2018 to 2021 to explore the potential of using advanced analytics.

The project was later extended through 2022. Since then, SDU has set out a plan to embed the project’s learning and support the transition into day-to-day operations during 2023 to 2025.

Project Advanced Analytics in brief

Project Advanced Analytics is an umbrella term for advanced data processing, such as machine learning, which uses large volumes of data from many different sources. In Project Advanced Analytics, classic descriptive statistics and traditional statistical methods are complemented or replaced by more modern data science approaches.

The project aims to challenge the familiar standard reporting from business systems by placing a stronger analytical focus on new types of insight, based on new data sources and new methods. By contrast, traditional management information is typically defined by legal requirements, external reporting obligations and the organisation’s operational management needs.

New analysis approaches and machine learning expertise

The machine learning element of the project went out to EU tender in 2018 to secure the strongest possible external support for developing machine learning models. From 2020, SDU Analytics brought the machine learning work in-house, based on the expertise developed through the project.

The project also included a Student Analytics Lab, where students and analysts at SDU Analytics worked closely together. Read more about the Student Analytics Lab.

The project’s impact on SDU

Overall, the project developed new internal skills for more efficient and modern use of data. This has enabled new solutions across SDU and supported a faster end-to-end process, from raw data to the communication of analytical findings and presentations.

The project was key to testing and developing new ways of supporting SDU with data. It also strengthened SDU Analytics’ capability to work actively with data ethics. A further benefit for SDU Analytics was the many new national and international collaborations established across sectors and industries.Some project activities naturally ended when the project concluded. However, several elements continue through ongoing processes, with the aim of being fully embedded in day-to-day operations during 2023 to 2025.

SDU’s Analysis Portal, which is available to all SDU staff, and the AI agents built on SDU data are both tangible outcomes of the project.