The Nodality Disconnect of Data-Driven Government

Abstract

We must ask critical questions regarding what actors are gaining influence, and regarding why the centrality of government is to be preserved in a data-intensive society. The article recognizes that the transformative capacity of big data—and its artificial intelligence (AI)-based companion data analytics—does not deterministically result from the technologies concerned. Instead, the direction of change depends on both the technical features and the intertwining of big data applications and governmental machinery. In short, the reconfiguration of the government nodality remains an open question. Overall, government is urged to think strategically about its future role within digital ecosystems.