The Capgemini Research Institute report, Connecting the Dots: Data sharing in the public sector, revealed that 80% of public sector organisations surveyed across the world have started implementing collaborative data ecosystems initiatives. This is a recognition of the need for a joined-up, data-driven approach to tackle the complex challenges they are facing.
However, most are at the early stages of implementation, and few have deployed data ecosystems at scale. Besides the challenges of technology, people-based challenges are the main concern – specifically, culture and trust.
The report says those that have deployed collaborative data ecosystems or are in the middle of a deployment phase are already realising significant benefits of effective data sharing, including an improved citizen experience, and better data-driven policymaking.
Use data sharing to tackle operational and societal challenges
The report finds that collaborative data ecosystems are helping public sector organisations across key functional areas including administration, security and defence, tax and customs, and welfare.
For instance, 81% of local, state and central administrations that have deployed or are deploying data ecosystems say that they improved citizen engagement and 69% of their sustainability roadmaps. 93% of respondents also highlight an increase in open government.
Citizens can benefit from better government services such as a more targeted delivery of welfare programs for the most vulnerable citizens, and improved public safety, police departments citing notably better juridical implementation and improved response times.
About 74% of surveyed public sector organisations that have deployed or are deploying data ecosystems are also seeing improved resilience against cyber threats.
“Whether it’s the pandemic, societal issues such as youth unemployment, or the climate and biodiversity crises: the challenges we face today require a joined-up response from our governments. That’s why they have to share data systematically,” comments Marc Reinhardt, the global industry leader for the public sector at Capgemini.
“Creating a culture where decision-making is informed by real-time data is a long-term journey. All players in the data ecosystem must have trust and confidence. But the measurable benefits to citizens’ experience and government efficiency show that data sharing improves outcomes.” Marc Reinhardt
Adoption trends and barriers
The report finds that barriers related to trust, culture, and technology are currently impeding wider adoption. For example, 56% of respondents face one or more trust-related challenges; it includes challenges such as citizen resistance to sharing data, and lack of trust in the quality of the data involved, among others.
The research also highlights the important role of talent. Public sector organisations require the availability of the right skillsets and the presence of a data-driven culture within their organisations, in addition to developing a holistic skilling program to equip employees with the necessary data management and Artificial Intelligence skills, as well as skills related to managing data privacy. Only 55% of organisations have reported having trained employees on the ethical use of citizen data.
Building trust with privacy preservation technology
Embedding security and privacy by design is critical to the success of collaborative data ecosystems to allow public organisations to balance the benefits of data sharing with the need to safeguard data privacy.
This also requires developing strong governance structures, data mesh architectures2 as well as the use of Privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) such as differential privacy, federated learning, and homomorphic encryption.
