Who better to talk about our data and digital expertise than our experts themselves? We have a chat with Eduardo Salvador (team lead), Yasin Günay and Quentin Carbonelle.

How did this team come about?

Eduardo Salvador: It started with a simple observation: researchers at IDEA Consult needed more than just traditional analysis tools. As data-driven methods became indispensable—spanning from web scraping to advanced statistical modelling and AI—a handful of employees began filling the gaps. At the same time, another challenge emerged: the company required a new internal platform for project management and operational support.

These two currents merged, forming what is now Idea Digital & Analytics, a unit that operates at the crossroads of economics, data science, and software engineering. Whether developing internal tools or integrating digital solutions into policy analysis, the team doesn’t just execute technical tasks but rethinks how digital solutions enhance research and decision-making.

What are the services you are offering?

Eduaro Salvador: What began as an internal response to evolving needs is now expanding beyond IDEA. Increasingly, the team supports both public and private sector organizations in handling digital challenges, applying its knowledge of digital markets and expertise in data analytics and AI to a broader landscape.

What are some projects you have worked already on?

Yasin Günay: Since our launch, we’ve been actively involved in several key initiatives.

At the policy level, we have played a pivotal role in shaping national and regional policies, with a focus on providing recommendations and guidance to our clients. This includes contributing to the Federal Belgian Data Strategy, analyzing the impact of the platform economy in Belgium, and working with agencies like Agence du Numérique to develop barometers and analyses on digital challenges facing companies and citizens in Wallonia.

Beyond strategy, the team has built transformative digital tools. Our ERP system (ADA) enhances IDEA Consult’s internal operations and support functions. The SDG Monitor, designed for Flemish municipalities, provides a data-driven approach to tracking Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are also developing an ESG Platform (ESG-GO) to help SMEs track and comply with ESG reporting.

Besides, we are today pushing for AI-driven solutions in our industry. One of our current projects leverages AI for large-scale evaluation and research, processing and analyzing tens of thousands of documents to conduct an extensive public policy evaluation (the Evaluation of the AAL Programme).

What is the atmosphere like within the team?

Quentin Carbonnelle: We’re a close-knit team where every contribution counts. Despite our small size, we’re driven by a shared passion for making a real impact and tackling societal challenges. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work—we exchange ideas constantly and support each other, not just as colleagues but as a team that genuinely cares. Occasionally, we even step outside the office for games and activities—though probably not as often as we should.