Challenges and Complexities in Leveraging Data for Evidence-Based Policy making A Scoping Review

Abstract

Evidence-based policymaking stands at the forefront of contemporary governance, where data and evidence have emerged as indispensable allies in shaping effective and informed decisions. This article embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and critical issues encountered when data assumes the role of evidence in policy formulation. The foundation of this investigation is laid within the rich tapestry of evidence-based policy-making literature. We delve into the scholarly discourse, tracing the evolution of policy formulation from the realm of intuition to one guided by empirical insights. As we traverse this intellectual landscape, the pivotal role of data as a catalyst for this transformation becomes apparent. Delving deeper, we dissect the nuances of data and the emergence of big data. Once regarded as mere numbers, data now embodies the currency of the information age. Its volume, velocity, and variety characterize it, rendering it a potent tool for evidence generation and policy formulation. As we explore its features, we unveil the potential of data to unlock unprecedented insights and inform governance with empirical precision. To undertake a systematic exploration of the challenges faced in using data as evidence in policy-making, we employ a rigorous scoping review methodology. Through meticulous screening, we identify and analyze 36 exemplary articles that offer invaluable insights into the multifaceted landscape of data-driven governance. These articles provide a comprehensive panorama of the challenges, grouped into three distinct clusters: technical challenges emanating from data complexities, legal and privacy dilemmas entwined in governance, and the formidable issues policymakers face. Our discussion unravels the intricate web of challenges, from data quality and integration to confidentiality, ethics, and governance issues. We explore the nuances of data access, the battle against bias, and the intricacies of data volume and complexity. Simultaneously, we delve into the legal labyrinth of data ownership, security, sharing, and compliance. The challenges policymakers face in fostering data-driven cultures, navigating resource constraints, and communicating data-driven insights are brought to the fore. In conclusion, our exploration illuminates the multifaceted challenges and critical issues underpinning data utilization as evidence in evidence-based policy-making. This research underscores the transformative power of data in governance and emphasizes the challenges and pressing issues of using data as evidence in policymaking.

Keywords

• evidence
• data
• big data
• policy
• evidence-based policymaking