Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (Teesside University): Breaking down barriers to net zero data sharing

This case study explores how work carried out by Hannah Stothard and the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC) at Teesside University aims to enable responsible data sharing to accelerate decarbonisation. Centred on a region with a rich industrial history and ambitious net zero redevelopment plans, the work examines how sustainable data governance and community-led frameworks can promote collaboration between businesses, researchers and policymakers, while addressing the cultural hesitancy that often prevents organisations from sharing the data needed to create systemic change. Participation in Bridge AI – The Turing Way Practitioners Hub has influenced this work by helping Hannah focus on key areas such as stakeholder mapping and strategic planning, as well as emphasising the value of collaborative, open approaches. This case study is published under The Turing Way Practitioners Hub 2025-26 Cohort - case study series. The Practitioners Hub is The Turing Way project that works with experts from partnering organisations to promote data science best practices. Key takeaways Decarbonisation ambitions require trusted mechanisms for responsible data sharing. Cultural resistance can be a greater barrier than technical limitations. Proportional, clearly defined data agreements can reduce duplication and enable AI-driven insights. Ethical AI implementation requires literacy across entire organisations. Community-governed frameworks may offer a viable path in pre-competitive innovation spaces.