# Understanding and Improving Data Repurposing

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.09073 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2506.09073/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 9 Jun 2025.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Generative Artificial Intelligence for Literature Reviews](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.16475/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We live in an age of unprecedented opportunities to use existing data for tasks not anticipated when those data were collected, resulting in widespread data repurposing. This commentary defines and maps the scope of data repurposing to highlight its importance for organizations and society and the need to study data repurposing as a frontier of data management. We explain how repurposing differs from original data use and data reuse and then develop a framework for data repurposing consisting of concepts and activities for adapting existing data to new tasks. The framework and its implications are illustrated using two examples of repurposing, one in healthcare and one in citizen science. We conclude by suggesting opportunities for research to better understand data repurposing and enable more effective data repurposing practices.