Strengthening Data Governance for Effective Use of Open Data and Big Data Analytics for Combating COVID-19
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Keping Yao, Mi Kyoung Park · UN-DESA policy brief · 2021
Governments are highly dependent on all data including official statistics, administrative data, open data and big data analytics for decision-making and actions to address the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. These data allow governments to set priorities and adjust their decisions quickly and effectively in response to rapidly evolving COVID-19 situations. Open data and big data analytics, particularly through Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms and data visualization tools, are empowering governments to predict virus mutations, track virus spread in real-time, and identify medications for treating COVID-19. Governments are using big data analytics to get prepared, react effectively, and develop both short-term and long-term strategies. Yet, increasing public concerns about data privacy and security put in jeopardy public trust in data collection, use and dissemination by government, business and relevant non-government institutions. To ensure effective use of open data and big data analytics for combatting COVID-19, it is necessary to strengthen data governance with regard to data collection, data partnership, data analysis, data dissemination, and protection of data privacy and data security.