What is Changing the Game in Data Research? Insights from the “Innovating in Data-based Reality” Professional Development Workshop

Data have accompanied large-scale organizing for centuries and are today the lifeblood of all computational information systems. However, recent developments such as digital twins, synthetic data, and artificial intelligence call for renewed attention to the role of data in business and organizing in ways that both build on and break away from previous research traditions. This report summarizes discussions that took place in a Professional Development Workshop at the Academy of Management 2024 Annual Meeting on innovating with data. At the event, five expert scholars introduced their perspectives on the study of data followed by breakout discussions. We synthesize three key themes from the workshop: 1) the semantic ambivalence of data in contemporary contexts, 2) new challenges in data sustainability, quality, and quantity, and 3) growing tensions in personal data collection and governance. We summarize how these and related developments change the game for data researchers and what new avenues for research open within each theme. Finally, we reflect on the implications for research and practice, and offer suggestions on how to publish data research.