Big data readiness assessment: National guide - United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

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Big data readiness assessment National guide

ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL4.SIT/2020/TP.11


Country: Arab region

Publication Type: Information material

Cluster: Statistics, Information Society and Technology

Focus Area: 2030 Agenda, Technology & innovation

Initiatives: Technology Centre

SDGs: Agenda 2030

Keywords: Big data, Development, Digital technology, Manuals, Technology

Big data readiness assessment: National guide

December 2020

With the political and popular positive attitude to desire the latest technologies and seek immediate applications after realizing the role of these technologies in finding solutions to current (chronic) challenges in the Arab region, it is strongly advisable to assure the readiness for the adoption and application in order not to be slapped with disappointment backlash with failing examples that can deflate the excitement balloon. The readiness would require adequate important steps to design appropriate policies for governing and harnessing Frontier Technologies for development.

The advantages of using Big Data in the age of abundance of information and connected devices are countless promising efficiency, productivity and timely knowledge for effective decision making. However, when Big Data projects are attempted without mature readiness in the subject organization especially of public nature, there are lasting negative effects that could be endangering society with decisions made hastily based on wrong data analytics, invading privacy of citizens with absence of adequate data governance, abuse of data for unintended use from security issues to marketing campaigns if data management and custodianship is not properly designed and administered.

This guide is intended for deployment through customizing it to local context in different Arab countries. The guide covers in section 2 a general background and requirements for benefitting from Big Data in improving responsiveness, efficiency and productivity. The 3rd section reviews selected models for Big Data readiness assessment towards improving chances of adequate benefits from Big Data and lowering threats of misconception and failed applications of Big Data. Section 4 compiles a practical readiness assessment method based on reviewed international practices and adhering to simplicity and practicality principles.

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2030 Agenda , Technology & innovation
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