Multi-State Data Collaboratives are coalitions of state workforce, education, human services, and other agencies working in partnership with each other and university partners to develop data products that policymakers, practitioners, and citizens can use to answer questions critical to society. Over 25 states are actively participating in at least one collaborative in the Midwest, South, and East.

Collaboratives rely on a governing framework and a common data sharing agreement to streamline data access regionally and nationally. Together, state partners establish shared priorities and an agenda for research and data products. All work is conducted with de-identified microdata stored in a common data platform. Individual state agencies approve and oversee access to their data for approved projects—state autonomy and agency oversight are paramount principles—and can separately pursue their own projects relying on the shared infrastructure.

The governance framework for each collaborative facilitates these outcomes by formally establishing a policymaking body (Council), an advisory body (Data Representatives Board), and a coordinating body (Executive Committee).

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