Piloting Synthetic Data in Your Organization: A How-To Guide by MDI

The Massive Data Institute (MDI) at Georgetown University created a guide to help organizations pilot synthetic data as a privacy-enhancing technology (PET).
This project reflects MDI’s mission to support secure and ethical data use in education and workforce systems.

👉 Download the PDF binder here
👉 Visit our PETs website

Synthetic data is modeled data that preserves the statistical properties of original datasets but contains no actual individual records. It allows agencies to share and test data safely, protecting privacy while maintaining analytic value.

The guide provides practical steps for running a pilot, including:

• Establishing partnerships and scoping goals
  
• Defining requirements, datasets, and deliverables
  
• Considering IT and legal needs
  
• Using checklists to evaluate progress and results
  
• Communicating the project to stakeholders
  

By breaking down technical and operational needs, the guide helps organizations test synthetic data’s potential to expand data access without compromising privacy.