Big data in the public sector

Uncertainties and readiness

Journal article (2016)

Authors

A.J. Klievink Organisation & Governance - TPM
S. Cunningham Policy Analysis - TPM
J.A. de Bruijn Organisation & Governance - TPM
Research Group
Organisation & Governance (TPM) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2016 A.J. Klievink, Bart Jan Romijn, S. Cunningham, J.A. de Bruijn
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-016-9686-2
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

2016

Language

English

Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Department

Multi Actor Systems

Research Group

Organisation & Governance

Abstract

Big data is being implemented with success in the private sector and science. Yet the public sector seems to be falling behind, despite the potential value of big data for government. Government organizations do recognize the opportunities of big data but seem uncertain about whether they are ready for the introduction of big data, and if they are adequately equipped to use big data. This paper addresses those uncertainties. It presents an assessment framework for evaluating public organizations’ big data readiness. Doing so demystifies the concept of big data, as it is expressed in terms of specific and measureable organizational characteristics. The framework was tested by applying it to organizations in the Dutch public sector. The results suggest that organizations may be technically capable of using big data, but they will not significantly gain from these activities if the applications do not fit their organizations and main statutory tasks. The framework proved helpful in pointing out areas where public sector organizations could improve, providing guidance on how government can become more big data ready in the future.