Data-Driven Development

This new report, the fourth in the Information and Communications for Development series (figure ES.3), examines data-driven development, or how better information makes for better policies. The report aims to help firms and governments in developing countries unlock the value in the data they hold to improve service delivery and decision making and empower individuals to take more control of their personal data. The report asks just how we can use this data deluge to generate better development outcomes.

Figure ES.3 The Information and Communications for Development series

People's lives can benefit greatly when decisions are informed by relevant data that uncover hidden patterns, unexpected relationships, and market trends or reveal preferences. For example, tracking genes associated with certain types of cancer or explaining the potential links of Neanderthal DNA with resistance to the common flu virus or Type II diabetes can help improve treatments. As argued in chapter 3, development partners therefore need to establish strategies to better use data for development, while intervening appropriately in the data ecosystem and respecting data protection and privacy.

The World Bank Group, for instance, has established a Technology and Innovation Lab for improving data use in its projects, including using artificial intelligence and blockchain. This is part of a broader work program that aims to leverage data and technology in its work. The International Telecommunication Union has so far hosted two editions of the Artificial Intelligence for Good, Global Summit. And the team from UN Global Pulse, another partner in this report, is working with UN partners to responsibly harness big data and artificial intelligence for development and humanitarian action (see chapter 3).

However, firms and organizations that can make the best use of the data are not necessarily the ones that collect it. An "open data" mind-set is critical to data-driven development. Thus, an open marketplace for data is to be encouraged within limits. It is important therefore to develop appropriate guidelines for data sharing and use, and for anonymizing personal data. Governments are already beginning to release value from the huge quantities of data they hold to enhance service delivery, though they still have far to go to catch up with the commercial giants. To use data intelligently for better development outcomes, national statistical offices will continue to play a core function, including that of objectivity and impartiality, producing data "without fear or favor". But many statistics offices are struggling technically and financially. To remain relevant in an on-demand world, they need to strive for real-time data availability, striking an informed balance between accuracy and timeliness.