Unlocking the value of data governance in developing countries: A framework for public administration

Data governance is crucial for effective public administration, yet implementing it poses significant challenges, particularly in developing countries grappling with organizational and institutional constraints. Existing models often fail to consider these unique struggle points, leading to inefficient data governance initiatives. This paper proposes an alternative approach—an analytical framework rooted in public administration with a focus on the integral role of information systems. The framework integrates four key dimensions: vision, participation, data structure, and regulations, which together address both the technical and non-technical aspects of data governance. To assess the practical relevance and adaptability of our framework, we conducted a case study of Peru's National Registry of Municipalities, maintained by the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics, a national institution in Peru executing data initiatives for over a decade. Using a combined methodology of desk research and expert interviews with consultants, analysts, and public servants, we evaluated the framework's applicability in a real-world context. Our findings emphasize that effective data governance in developing countries extends beyond mere technical proficiency. A coherent information-driven vision, organizational conditions conducive for data interpretation, and a clear understanding of the objectives behind data creation significantly influence the ultimate effectiveness of data governance. However, these pivotal non-technical factors, often overlooked, pose significant challenges to the efficiency of management information systems. Highlighting these critical aspects, our study underscores the importance of embedding principles of public administration within data governance models and the transformative potential of information systems, especially in resource-constrained and institutional-challenged contexts inherent to developing countries.