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

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 rooted in the extensive body of literature on evidence-based policy-making. We delve into the scholarly discourse, tracing the evolution of policy formulation from relying on intuition to being guided by empirical insights. As we navigate through this intellectual landscape, the crucial role of data as a catalyst for this transformation becomes apparent. Delving deeper, we will explore the intricacies of data and the rise of big data. Once regarded as mere numbers, data now represents the currency of the information age. Its volume, velocity, and variety characterize it, making it a powerful tool for generating evidence and formulating policies. As we explore its features, we uncover the potential of data to unlock unprecedented insights and inform governance with empirical precision. To conduct a comprehensive examination of the difficulties encountered when utilizing data as evidence in policy-making, we employ a rigorous scoping review methodology. Through meticulous screening, we have identified and analyzed 36 exemplary articles that offer invaluable insights into the multifaceted landscape of data-driven governance. These articles provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges, which can be grouped into three distinct clusters: technical challenges arising from data complexities, legal and privacy dilemmas intertwined with governance, and the formidable issues faced by policymakers. Our discussion unravels the intricate web of challenges, ranging from data quality and integration to confidentiality, ethics, and governance issues. We delve into the intricacies of data access, the fight against bias, and the challenges posed by data volume and complexity. Simultaneously, we explore the complex legal landscape 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 forefront. In conclusion, our exploration sheds light on the complex challenges and crucial issues that underlie the use of data as evidence in evidence-based policy-making. This research underscores the transformative power of data in governance and emphasizes the challenges and pressing issues associated with using data as evidence in policymaking.