Big data flowing into government for policy-making.

Big Data for Policymaking: Is It a Game Changer or Just Another Fad?

Theo Raines in Politics & Policy June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore how big data is reshaping government policies and its potential to revolutionize public services."

The buzz around big data has significantly impacted policymaking, blending theoretical concepts with practical applications. This article combines current research with longstanding discussions in public policy and administration, such as e-government and evidence-based policymaking, to explore whether big data is a passing trend or a fundamental shift.

The central question is whether big data's influence on policymaking is a lasting change or just a temporary fascination. This exploration considers three main themes: the institutional capacity needed for governments to effectively use big data analytics, how big data analytics are used in digital public services, and the integration of big data information into the policy cycle through both substantive and procedural policy instruments.

Examples from education, crisis management, environmental science, and healthcare illustrate the potential benefits and difficulties of these themes. Understanding these aspects shows that big data is likely here to stay, but its full use by governments will take time due to institutional obstacles and capacity limitations.

Unpacking Big Data: What Makes It Different?

Big data flowing into government for policy-making.

Big data refers to the large volume and complexity of available data. Although there isn't one universally accepted definition, big data generally involves datasets too large for traditional processing systems, requiring new technologies. This isn't just about the size of the data; it also involves variety, velocity, and veracity.

Variety means more different types of data can be used. Velocity refers to how quickly the data is collected and processed. Veracity concerns the reliability and accuracy of the data. The digitization of administrative data, the collection of data through various devices, and increased data storage have led governments to launch dedicated big and open data projects. Affordable information extraction from big data and the promise of cost savings have further supported this trend.

Data-Driven Campaigns: The 2012 and 2016 US elections showed how data could drive political strategies.
Predictive Analytics: The New York Mayor's Office of Data Analytics (MODA) uses data to predict which buildings are at risk for fires.
European Initiatives: The European Statistics Office has created a Big Data Group, and the UK National Office of Statistics has a dedicated Big Data Project.

Some see big data as revolutionary, akin to the Industrial Revolution, while others believe little has changed except the size of the datasets. Both sides agree that it will change how policies are made and how they affect people. The hope is that big data will lead to faster, better-informed decisions with less uncertainty. However, there are concerns about whether decision-makers have the capacity to understand and use this information effectively. The potential applications of big data are changing how we think about decision-making.

The Future of Big Data in Government

In conclusion, many of the issues related to using big data in the public sector aren't new; they've been around as governments have integrated technology and digital services into administrative processes. However, the focus has shifted from 'if' big data should be used to 'how' it can be used effectively. To fully realize the benefits of big data, governments need to address challenges related to institutional support, data silos, and the capacity to manage digital elements. While big data isn't just a passing trend, it also isn't a quick fix in the early stages of its application. The evolution is ongoing, and governments must strategically navigate these challenges to harness its potential.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s11077-017-9293-1, Alternate LINK

Title: Big Data For Policymaking: Fad Or Fasttrack?

Subject: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Journal: Policy Sciences

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Sarah Giest

Published: 2017-08-08

Everything You Need To Know

What are the core characteristics that define "Big Data" and differentiate it from traditional datasets?

Big data distinguishes itself from traditional data through several key characteristics. It's defined not just by its large *volume*, but also by its *variety*, encompassing different data types. Furthermore, *velocity* refers to the speed at which data is generated and processed, and *veracity* highlights the reliability and accuracy of the data. These elements combined necessitate new technologies for processing and analyzing the data, going beyond the capabilities of conventional systems. Understanding these dimensions is crucial for grasping the potential and challenges of big data applications in government policymaking.

How is "Big Data" currently being used in government, and can you provide specific examples?

Governments are leveraging big data in multiple ways. One of the most prominent is in data-driven campaigns, as demonstrated in the 2012 and 2016 US elections. Moreover, *predictive analytics* is a key application, with the New York Mayor's Office of Data Analytics (MODA) using it to forecast fire risks in buildings. Various initiatives like the European Statistics Office's *Big Data Group* and the UK National Office of Statistics's *Big Data Project* further illustrate the growing adoption of big data across different governmental bodies. These examples showcase the potential for data-driven decision-making in public service.

What are the main challenges that governments face when integrating "Big Data" into policymaking?

While the potential of big data is immense, governments encounter several significant challenges. These include building sufficient *institutional capacity* to effectively analyze and interpret the data, overcoming *data silos* that may exist across different departments, and developing the expertise to manage the *digital elements* involved. These hurdles must be addressed strategically for governments to fully realize the benefits of big data. Addressing these challenges will require long-term investment in infrastructure, skills development, and policy frameworks.

What are the potential benefits of using "Big Data" in the context of government policymaking?

The integration of big data into policymaking holds significant promise. It aims to lead to faster and better-informed decisions, reducing uncertainty in policy implementation. The use of big data facilitates a deeper understanding of complex issues, enabling more targeted and effective interventions. Big data's application in areas like education, crisis management, environmental science, and healthcare highlights its potential to revolutionize public services. Through the analysis of large datasets, governments can optimize resource allocation, improve service delivery, and enhance overall societal well-being, resulting in improved *digital public services*.

How does "Big Data" relate to concepts like e-government and evidence-based policymaking in the context of public policy?

Big data significantly intersects with e-government and evidence-based policymaking. It builds upon existing efforts to digitize administrative processes, as seen in *e-government* initiatives, by offering a more comprehensive and data-driven approach. Evidence-based policymaking gains a new dimension with big data by providing vast datasets for analysis, which enhances the ability to make informed, data-supported decisions. The integration of big data into the policy cycle, using both *substantive and procedural policy instruments*, enables governments to move towards more efficient, responsive, and impactful public service delivery. This evolution allows public administrations to leverage data to create more effective and targeted public services.