Title
The use of public sector data analytics in the Netherlands
Author
Veenstra, A.F.E.
Grommé, F.
Djafari, S.
Publication year
2020
Abstract
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.
To reference this document use:
http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:fcadfb0c-0905-4288-a475-62990d489c2b
TNO identifier
955373
Publisher
Emerald Group Holdings Ltd.
ISSN
1750-6166
Source
Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, 15 (15), 396-419
Document type
article