The use of public sector data analytics in the Netherlands
article
Purpose – Public sector data analytics concerns the process of retrieving data, data analysis, publication of
the results as well as re-using the data by government organizations to improve their operations and enhance
public policy. This paper aims to explore the use of public sector data analytics in the Netherlands and the
opportunities and challenges of this use.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper finds 74 applications of public sector data analytics,
identified by a Web search and consultation with policymakers. The applications are categorized by
application type, organization(s) involved and application domain, and illustrative examples are used to
elaborate opportunities and challenges.
Findings – Public sector data analytics is most frequently used for inspection and enforcement of social
services and for criminal investigation. Even though its usage is often experimental, it raises concerns for
scope creep, repeated targeting of the same (group of) individuals, personal data use by third parties and the
transparency of governmental processes.
Research limitations/implications – Drawing on desk research, it was not always possible to identify
which type of data or which technology was used in the applications that were found. Furthermore, the case
studies are illustrative rather than providing an in-depth overview of opportunities and challenges of the use
of data analytics in government.
Originality/value – Most studies either perform a literature overview or present a single case study; this
paper presents a more comprehensive overview of how a public sector uses data analytics.
the results as well as re-using the data by government organizations to improve their operations and enhance
public policy. This paper aims to explore the use of public sector data analytics in the Netherlands and the
opportunities and challenges of this use.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper finds 74 applications of public sector data analytics,
identified by a Web search and consultation with policymakers. The applications are categorized by
application type, organization(s) involved and application domain, and illustrative examples are used to
elaborate opportunities and challenges.
Findings – Public sector data analytics is most frequently used for inspection and enforcement of social
services and for criminal investigation. Even though its usage is often experimental, it raises concerns for
scope creep, repeated targeting of the same (group of) individuals, personal data use by third parties and the
transparency of governmental processes.
Research limitations/implications – Drawing on desk research, it was not always possible to identify
which type of data or which technology was used in the applications that were found. Furthermore, the case
studies are illustrative rather than providing an in-depth overview of opportunities and challenges of the use
of data analytics in government.
Originality/value – Most studies either perform a literature overview or present a single case study; this
paper presents a more comprehensive overview of how a public sector uses data analytics.
TNO Identifier
955373
ISSN
17506166
Source
Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, 15(4), pp. 396-419.
Publisher
Emerald Group Holdings Ltd.
Pages
396-419
Files
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