Big data and other analytical tools have great potential to make governments more efficient and improve citizens’ lives, particularly in health and public safety sectors. A new study released by the TechAmerica Foundation and commissioned by SAP revealed that 87% of federal IT officials and 75% of state IT officials say big data can have real and immediate impacts on how governments operate.
The survey of nearly 200 public IT officials, conducted by renowned pollsters, Penn Schoen and Berland, found that 83% of federal IT officials say big data solutions can help government cut the federal budget by at least 10%, or $380 billion. Those surveyed also believe that big data can save lives, for example by improving medical treatments. Medical researchers can aggregate information about healthcare outcomes to reveal patterns that lead to more effective treatments and detection of outbreaks.
75 % of state IT officials see the practical benefits of big data in medicine and public safety as extremely beneficial. Police departments are currently using big data technology to develop predictive models about when and where crimes are likely to occur, helping dramatically reduce the overall crime rate in specific locations.
Real-time big data is helping the government improve the quality of citizens’ lives, according to 75% of federal IT officials. For example, by gaining insight into huge volumes of data across agencies, the government can provide improved, personalized services to citizens.
While big data technology is expected to offer citizens significant benefits, the survey also reveals cultural and practical barriers to adoption, include privacy concerns, high costs, return on investment