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By Nick Hart, President & CEO, Data Foundation
Organizations across public and private sectors are falling into a dangerous trap: 'Input Isolationism'—fixating on cutting costs and resources while disconnecting from the outcomes these investments were designed to achieve. Like driving while only watching the fuel gauge, this approach optimizes parts without understanding the whole. Cities cut crossing guards to save money but ignore rising accident costs. Companies slash data teams without measuring innovation impacts. Agencies terminate research before completion, losing critical insights forever. Based on insights from my recent ASPA keynote, this piece explores five practical strategies to reconnect inputs with outcomes, ensuring resource decisions serve actual goals rather than just appearing efficient on paper.
This article was originally published in Forbes on May 28, 2025, as part of the Forbes Technology Council. The original can be found at https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/05/28/5-ways-to-stop-input-isolationism-from-killing-your-data-strategy
