IDC PeerScape: Lessons Learned to Build a Data-First Organization in the Public Sector

This IDC PeerScape highlights the practices to build a data-first organization in the public sector."'Data first' encapsulates a strategy that is vital to the success of public sector organizations. Key to overcoming tech debt and bureaucratic inertia, it is likely to prove indispensable for an agency or a department to succeed in its mission of delivering value to the public," says Stanley B. Gibson, adjunct research advisor for IDC's IT Executive Programs (IEP).

IDC PeerScape Figure

Executive Summary

Peer Insights

• Practice 1: Determine whether "data first" is the right strategy to address the organization's difficulties in delivering on its mission
  • Challenge
  • Examples
    • City of Santa Monica
    • U.K. National Health Service
    • U.S. Air Force
    • National Grid U.K.
  • Guidance
• Practice 2: Develop a data-first strategy, draw up a blueprint, then educate management and employees
  • Challenge
  • Examples
    • City of Santa Monica
    • U.K. National Health Service
    • U.S. Air Force
    • National Grid U.K.
  • Guidance
• Practice 3: Implement a data-first strategy that includes new technology, fresh expertise, and cultural change
  • Challenge
  • Examples
    • City of Santa Monica
    • U.K. National Health Service
    • U.S. Air Force
    • National Grid U.K.
  • Guidance
• Practice 4: Execute by focusing on use cases that show tangible benefit, then look for unexpected opportunities
  • Challenge
  • Examples
    • City of Santa Monica
    • U.K. National Health Service
    • U.S. Air Force
    • National Grid U.K.
  • Guidance