The Social Data Lab

 The SD Lab acts as a hub connecting key players in the social data landscape. It serves as a resource for cutting-edge social data companies, such as Facebook, for other consumer-oriented companies eager to realize the untapped power of data, as well as for Stanford students and faculty. The Lab meets regularly to prepare for the quarterly Social Data Summit, the key event that brings together all members of the Lab.

The Lab was founded in April 2011 by current director Andreas Weigend. Our advisors include Kenneth Cukier and Rick Smolan, and its members span a wide range of constituencies, ranging from CIOs, to statisticians tasked with analyzing large amounts of data, to CMOs and social media experts seeking creative marketing strategies underpinned by rigorous analytics. Our members bring unique experiences and cross-pollinating perspectives to the group. The resulting conversations challenge existing assumptions, reveal existing roadblocks, and, ultimately, produce valuable and actionable insights.

Mission

  • To investigate and utilize the ongoing explosion of social data, the data that consumers knowingly and willingly share with each other, with companies, and with the world.
  • To enable companies to understand and leverage the social data revolution, the game-changing shift in how consumers express themselves, relate to each other, and make purchasing and lifestyle decisions.
  • To create scenarios and develop cutting-edge insights that are relevant and actionable for member companies.
  • To lead and facilitate partnerships among key thought leaders and experts, social data start-ups, established consumer companies, VCs, and the Stanford community.

Projects in the Social Data Lab investigate emergent questions arising from the interplay among game changing technologies and rapidly changing customer expectations. Current work addresses the need for radically different organizational responses to ubiquitous and conspicuous social and mobile connections. Other projects explore new requirements for online presence and reputation. Our results are made available to all lab members.

Learn more about The Social Data Lab.