The role of Chief Data Officer (CDO) is relatively new and not yet widely accepted or filled in government organizations. Reason for the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) to have the Learning and Expertise Center for Data-Driven Working (LED) conduct an initial exploration of the role and position of the CDO. In this exploration, which was also conducted in the context of the Data Agenda Government, more than ten interviewees participated who are CDOs at large government organizations or have a role similar to this.
The Intergovernmental Data Strategy shows a clear need for data governance and leadership, but the strategy does not provide an explicit choice on whether or not to appoint a CDO. The LED study complements the Data Strategy to provide Dutch government organizations with intergovernmental action perspectives. It is the first exploration of the role of the CDO and is based on insights obtained in the Netherlands and other countries that have already appointed a CDO. The research results serve as input for the start of an inter-governmental dialogue on the relevance of CDOs and the associated opportunities and challenges.
Arthur Dallau of LED conducted the research. "The role of the CDO depends largely on the data maturity of an organization and the data craftsmanship of its employees. In general, two types of roles can be identified in the Netherlands. One type is the leader of the data movement within an organization and carries data as an important "asset," both internally and externally. The other type is the CDO who is a data expert and takes the organization's data management to the next level." In any case, a clear vision of data is decisive, as is shifting gears with various stakeholders, both at the administrative and official level. This also applies to identifying the needs from the departments where the primary processes are invested. In summary, the CDO has a crucial role when it comes to data policy, related governance and implementation.
The CDO is further a bridge builder and inspirer who acts with patience and understanding for various stakeholders and a sense of decision-making processes and political interests. "Responsibility for the transition to a data-driven government around societal challenges and from the perspective of citizens and businesses lies with the CDO and the team formed around this role. Involvement of the data ambassadors within the various implementation-related departments is important in this regard. The CDO knows how to practically translate the data strategy into tactical and operational activities. And is the booster who gets the organization moving, with data as the main raw material."
The study is intended for governments that are considering appointing a CDO and want to learn from the experiences of other organizations.
Download the report here
Source: Learning and Expertise Point Data-driven working
