Högskolan i Skövde

Data-driven government agencies frequently rely on using analytics (descriptive, predictive, prescriptive) together with high-quality data. A common benefit of being a data-driven agency is the ability to make informed decisions. Previous research has provided findings from case studies and small sample surveys that mix different types of organizations, e.g., municipalities and government agencies. Hence, it is difficult to generalize for an entire segment, e.g., government agencies, on what they do in practice to become more data driven. This paper aims to investigate what government agencies in Sweden do in practice to become more data driven. Data was collected from 137 government agencies via a web-based questionnaire, and analyzed with respect to current practices, systematicity, and strategies. The findings are that most government agencies are not characterized as data-driven, lack systematicity in using analyzed data in decision-making, and mostly develop strategies for technical platforms and data.