The Government’s data strategy aims to promote data use in civil society and the public sector. However, the strategy fails to define clear objectives and key areas of action. In a recent advisory report to three federal ministries, we raised our concerns about this issue. We recommend refining the strategy to provide a guidepost for future policies. This is the only way for the Government to help increase innovative and responsible data provision and data use.
The Government’s data strategy largely built on previous efforts. Many steps merely described the status quo or initial implementation activities – but failed to be forward-looking. This reduced the strategy’s potential for innovation. Additionally, the Government did not set verifiable objectives or key areas of ministry action. As a result, the Government was not in a position to assess as to whether the steps contributed to achieving the strategy’s objectives. In the case of steps taken across all ministries, it remained unclear which government department had lead responsibility.