On the Way to a Data-Based Governance Model for Swiss Public Institutions – Focus Fields for Empowerment in Innovation and Identification

– Public institutions are under increasing pressure to improve their funding and efficiency, hence increased interest in big data and its potential benefits for maintaining public services

– Focus on the use and exploitation of data

– Many institutions are already taking the first steps towards data-based business models such as selling data products or using data to optimize internal processes

– Challenges such as legal uncertainty, lack of data literacy and resistance in the workforce

– Targeted investments in data infrastructure, training and cultural change required

– Clarify legal framework conditions and take data protection aspects into account

– Success factors include strong leadership skills, fostering a data-driven mindset among employees, effective use of technology, and the use of appropriate governance structures

– Responsible handling of data and the development of appropriate governance structures as a priority

– Establish mindset: Data is becoming increasingly valuable

– Potentials are, for example, the improvement of decision-making processes, the optimization of workflows and the acquisition of new insights

– Opportunities: Increase transparency and improve communication with citizens

– Risks: Data breaches, cyber security threats, and ethical concerns

– Priority to-dos: Improve the skills and knowledge of employees in the field of data management and analysis and establish specialized roles, such as data scientists

– Investments in data infrastructure, training and cultural change are needed

– four primary dimensions of the barriers to implementation: strategic, operational, technological and legal challenges

– Six main factors for success: development of core competencies in the field of data analytics, the involvement of all business units in the implementation of DBGM, a clear understanding of customer expectations, early consideration of legal requirements, the involvement of partners and suppliers and continuous innovation

– Importance of a well-defined strategy proportionally high, as well as continuous investment in innovation measures

– Opportunities and challenges of using data in public administration have not yet been fully recognized

– Need for a holistic solution that covers the entire data lifecycle from collection to usage

– Developing AI solutions, integrating new and existing data sources, and ensuring data security

– Data transparency and exploitation rights in a data policy as the first step of legally compliant regulation in every organization