“The book is well structured and … written in a lucid and accessible style. An introduction is followed by chapters that build theory, outline the research methodology, present the three case studies, analyse the findings from these and finally discuss this analysis. … For anybody who wants to understand the role of big data in government, this book is an excellent place to start and a solid platform on which to build.” (Frank Bannister, Information Polity, December 3, 2025)
“Big data and public policy: course, content, and outcome … is an excellent book for those who are involved in policy-making processes and looking to learn how big data and public policy are strengthened together. The book is well structured and easy to follow, with plenty of case studies to help readers understand the concepts and put them into practice. … big data in public policy has the potential to improve decision-making, increase efficiency, and promote better outcomes for citizens.” (Mihailescu Marius Iulian, Computing Reviews, May 25, 2023)
This book provides a comprehensive overview of how the course, content and outcome of policy making is affected by big data. It scrutinises the notion that big and open data makes policymaking a more rational process, in which policy makers are able to predict, assess and evaluate societal problems. It also examines how policy makers deal with big data, the problems and limitations they face, and how big data shapes policymaking on the ground. The book considers big data from various perspectives, not just the political, but also the technological, legal, institutional and ethical dimensions. The potential of big data use in the public sector is also assessed, as well as the risks and dangers this might pose. Through several extended case studies, it demonstrates the dynamics of big data and public policy. Offering a holistic approach to the study of big data, this book will appeal to students and scholars of public policy, public administration and data science, as well as those interested in governance and politics.
