Future government data strategies: data-driven enterprise or data steward?

Comparable to the concept of a data(-driven) enterprise, the concept of a ‘government as data (-driven) enterprise’ is gaining popularity as a data strategy. However, what it implies is unclear. The objective of this paper is to clarify the concept of the government as data (-driven) enterprise, and identify the challenges and drivers that shape future data strategies. Drawing on literature review and expert interviews, this paper provides a rich understanding of the challenges for developing sound future government data strategies. Our analysis shows that two contrary data strategies dominate the debate. On the one hand is the data-driven enterprise strategy that focusses on collecting and using data to improve or enrich government processes and services (internal orientation). On the other hand, respondents point to the urgent need for governments to take on data stewardship, so other parties can use data to develop value for society (external orientation). Since these data strategies are not mutually exclusive, some government agencies will attempt to combine them, which is very difficult to pull off. Nonetheless, both strategies demand a more data minded culture. Moreover, the successful implementation of either strategy requires mature data governance – something most organisations still need to master. This research contributes by providing more depth to these strategies. The main challenge for policy makers is to decide on which strategy best fits their agency's roles and responsibilities and develop a shared roadmap with the external actors while at the same time mature on data governance.