Safety or no safety in numbers? Governments, big data and public policy formulation

Abstract

Purpose – Although big data have emerged at the cornerstone of business and management research, past studies have failed to offer explanations and classifications of different levels of capacity and expertise possessed by different countries in utilising big data. The purpose of this paper is to examine the different capacities of governments in utilising big data. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a comprehensive synopsis of the literature on big data and the role of governments in utilising and harnessing big data. Findings – The study provides an array of explanations to account for why some countries are adept at using big data to solve social problems, while others often faltered. Research limitations/implications – The study offers a range of explanations and suggestions, which include skills upgrading, to help countries improve their capabilities in data collection and data analysis. Originality/value – In this paper, data collection-data analysis matrix was developed to characterise the role of governments in data collection and analysis.