Center of Strategic Studies Strategic Studies of public policy 2538-5038 14 51 2024 09 21 Special Issue on Data-Driven Governance in I.R.Iran Special Issue on Data-Driven Governance in I.R.Iran 2 9 715909 10.22034/sspp.2024.715909 FA Sahar Babaei 0000-0002-1017-4181 Journal Article 2024 09 23 The importance of data and data-driven analytics in governance is undeniable. Data-driven governance is one of the prerequisites for achieving good governance and citizen satisfaction with governance. To promote and expand this concept and to familiarize with the obstacles and challenges of its implementation in public and sectoral governance in Iran, a call for papers titled “Data-Driven Governance” was issued by the Journal of Strategic Policy Studies in Public Policy in the winter of 2023. Out of more than 40 abstracts received, six research articles were finally accepted in three main areas: the concept of data-driven governance and its prerequisites, the obstacles and challenges of data-driven governance, and the ethical and policy considerations of data-driven governance. These articles are presented in this special issue for readers and enthusiasts of data-driven governance. This special issue is an initial effort to value the application of data in governance, and it is hoped that it will promote this important matter in other scientific journals in the country and, more importantly, in the field of governance practice The importance of data and data-driven analytics in governance is undeniable. Data-driven governance is one of the prerequisites for achieving good governance and citizen satisfaction with governance. To promote and expand this concept and to familiarize with the obstacles and challenges of its implementation in public and sectoral governance in Iran, a call for papers titled “Data-Driven Governance” was issued by the Journal of Strategic Policy Studies in Public Policy in the winter of 2023. Out of more than 40 abstracts received, six research articles were finally accepted in three main areas: the concept of data-driven governance and its prerequisites, the obstacles and challenges of data-driven governance, and the ethical and policy considerations of data-driven governance. These articles are presented in this special issue for readers and enthusiasts of data-driven governance. This special issue is an initial effort to value the application of data in governance, and it is hoped that it will promote this important matter in other scientific journals in the country and, more importantly, in the field of governance practice https://sspp.iranjournals.ir/article_715909_ffbdd7d863968550e413e6ef7c9de035.pdf

Center of Strategic Studies Strategic Studies of public policy 2538-5038 14 51 2024 09 21 Designing a Policy Research System in Data-Driven Governance Designing a Policy Research System in Data-Driven Governance 10 32 715466 10.22034/sspp.2024.2026162.3597 FA Sahar Babaei 0000-0002-1017-4181 Journal Article 2024 04 07 Data-driven governance advocates for the use of data in policymaking to effectively guide societal affairs. Policy research is a method that emphasizes the use of real data and multilateral analysis at various stages of policymaking, . The aim of this study is to identify the main components of the policy research system to enhance the feasibility of its effective implementation. To this end, in addition to utilizing archival documents, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 academic and executive experts, and the main components of the policy research system were identified using thematic analysis. According to the research findings, the main components of the policy research system include inputs, processes, outputs, feedback, and actors. Inputs refer to human resources, financial resources, a clearly defined issue, and the policymaker, all of which must be timely integrated into the system for the policy research system to be established. The process of the policy research system pertains to the various evaluations carried out by policy research centers, which include pre-evaluation, evaluation during implementation, and post-evaluation. The outputs of the policy research system may comprise proposed policies resulting from pre-evaluation, recommendations to overcome implementation barriers, decisions regarding the continuation or amendment of executed policies, as well as lessons learned. The feedback from this system also refers to revisions in evaluation methods, data collection, indicators gathered, and required human resources that feed back into the inputs or processes. Three actors:supporters, implementers, and overseers—are introduced as the sustaining and driving agents of this system at different stages Data-driven governance advocates for the use of data in policymaking to effectively guide societal affairs. Policy research is a method that emphasizes the use of real data and multilateral analysis at various stages of policymaking, . The aim of this study is to identify the main components of the policy research system to enhance the feasibility of its effective implementation. To this end, in addition to utilizing archival documents, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 academic and executive experts, and the main components of the policy research system were identified using thematic analysis. According to the research findings, the main components of the policy research system include inputs, processes, outputs, feedback, and actors. Inputs refer to human resources, financial resources, a clearly defined issue, and the policymaker, all of which must be timely integrated into the system for the policy research system to be established. The process of the policy research system pertains to the various evaluations carried out by policy research centers, which include pre-evaluation, evaluation during implementation, and post-evaluation. The outputs of the policy research system may comprise proposed policies resulting from pre-evaluation, recommendations to overcome implementation barriers, decisions regarding the continuation or amendment of executed policies, as well as lessons learned. The feedback from this system also refers to revisions in evaluation methods, data collection, indicators gathered, and required human resources that feed back into the inputs or processes. Three actors:supporters, implementers, and overseers—are introduced as the sustaining and driving agents of this system at different stages https://sspp.iranjournals.ir/article_715466_54b42a9c8c05c2beeb646e6f5506e0cb.pdf

Center of Strategic Studies Strategic Studies of public policy 2538-5038 14 51 2024 08 22 Designing a Data Governance System in the Private Sector Using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM): A Case Study of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture Designing a Data Governance System in the Private Sector Using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM): A Case Study of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture 22 44 715634 10.22034/sspp.2024.2027704.3640 FA Reza Payandeh Assistant Professor, Innovation & Technology Governance Department,, Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-9515-5587 Journal Article 2024 04 29 Given the increasing importance of data in transparency, accountability, and economic opportunities, designing a private sector data governance system is crucial. This paper studies the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture and uses Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to design a data governance system. The seven stages of SSM, from describing the problematic situation to implementing reforms, were executed. Data collection involved document analysis and 19 semi-structured interviews with experts. The study combines the macro framework of data governance with the four pillars of business intelligence to create a comprehensive picture of the data governance system. The findings indicate that realizing the data governance system, especially in connecting to national data repositories, depends on establishing e-government. Ideally, with e-government and smart government, data and information of all executive bodies fall under public ownership, necessitating revised laws and regulations governing data and information in the country. However, issues such as segmented data management laws, inadequate key data repositories, lack of cooperation among agencies, and data ownership challenges disrupt data system integration. The research suggests the Chamber of Commerce pursue bilateral and multilateral agreements with related agencies to accelerate the establishment of the data governance system in the private sector. The study highlights the importance of overcoming existing challenges and fostering cooperation among different agencies. While the full establishment of e-government is a long-term goal, interim measures such as strategic partnerships and agreements can significantly improve the data governance landscape, benefiting transparency, accountability, and economic opportunities within the private sector. Given the increasing importance of data in transparency, accountability, and economic opportunities, designing a private sector data governance system is crucial. This paper studies the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture and uses Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to design a data governance system. The seven stages of SSM, from describing the problematic situation to implementing reforms, were executed. Data collection involved document analysis and 19 semi-structured interviews with experts. The study combines the macro framework of data governance with the four pillars of business intelligence to create a comprehensive picture of the data governance system. The findings indicate that realizing the data governance system, especially in connecting to national data repositories, depends on establishing e-government. Ideally, with e-government and smart government, data and information of all executive bodies fall under public ownership, necessitating revised laws and regulations governing data and information in the country. However, issues such as segmented data management laws, inadequate key data repositories, lack of cooperation among agencies, and data ownership challenges disrupt data system integration. The research suggests the Chamber of Commerce pursue bilateral and multilateral agreements with related agencies to accelerate the establishment of the data governance system in the private sector. The study highlights the importance of overcoming existing challenges and fostering cooperation among different agencies. While the full establishment of e-government is a long-term goal, interim measures such as strategic partnerships and agreements can significantly improve the data governance landscape, benefiting transparency, accountability, and economic opportunities within the private sector. https://sspp.iranjournals.ir/article_715634_5bfb03cc7ae4a739f85a00288a83a632.pdf

Center of Strategic Studies Strategic Studies of public policy 2538-5038 14 51 2024 08 22 Identifying and prioritizing the obstacles and challenges of data-driven governance from the perspective of applying artificial intelligence and data-based technologies in the public sector Identifying and prioritizing the obstacles and challenges of data-driven governance from the perspective of applying artificial intelligence and data-based technologies in the public sector 56 81 715506 10.22034/sspp.2024.2026836.3610 FA Iman Akbari Researcher of the Research Center of the Islamic Council, Ph.D. student of Public Administration of Allameh Tabatabai University Hasan Danaee Fard Professor of Management and Economics at Tarbiat Modares University 0000-0003-1805-7323 Mahdi َAbdolhamid Iran University of Science and Technology 0000-0003-4118-4937 Mostafa MAHMOUDI Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran Mehdi Khosravi Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management & Economics, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-9913-6201 Journal Article 2024 04 19 The public sector is facing diverse and complex challenges in the current era. Solving these challenges, which are often related to the development of communication and data, will not be possible except by benefiting from the capacities created by these technologies and realizing data-driven governance. Artificial intelligence technology is one of the revolutionary technologies in the current era that can be used to improve the quality of governance. In order to apply this technology, it is necessary to first consider possible obstacles and challenges in a conscious way. Therefore, in the current research, after a systematic review of the literature, 16 obstacles and challenges of using artificial intelligence in the public sector have been identified and prioritized using the fuzzy simple weighting method(FSAW). According to the findings, "access to data and its quality" have been identified as the most important obstacle, and "ignoring public and social considerations" as the most important challenge. Finally, the identified cases are placed in 6 economic, social, political, managerial, technological and ethical categories, and policy recommendations are proposed according to each category and relevant stakeholders. The public sector is facing diverse and complex challenges in the current era. Solving these challenges, which are often related to the development of communication and data, will not be possible except by benefiting from the capacities created by these technologies and realizing data-driven governance. Artificial intelligence technology is one of the revolutionary technologies in the current era that can be used to improve the quality of governance. In order to apply this technology, it is necessary to first consider possible obstacles and challenges in a conscious way. Therefore, in the current research, after a systematic review of the literature, 16 obstacles and challenges of using artificial intelligence in the public sector have been identified and prioritized using the fuzzy simple weighting method(FSAW). According to the findings, "access to data and its quality" have been identified as the most important obstacle, and "ignoring public and social considerations" as the most important challenge. Finally, the identified cases are placed in 6 economic, social, political, managerial, technological and ethical categories, and policy recommendations are proposed according to each category and relevant stakeholders. https://sspp.iranjournals.ir/article_715506_1dc8947979d199d6edadb1b0f960b96b.pdf

Center of Strategic Studies Strategic Studies of public policy 2538-5038 14 51 2024 08 22 Analyzing institutional barriers to data-driven governance at organizational and inter-organizational levels; A case study of shared access to water data in Iran Analyzing institutional barriers to data-driven governance at organizational and inter-organizational levels; A case study of shared access to water data in Iran 82 103 715633 10.22034/sspp.2024.2033080.3667 FA Seyed Mahmood Tabatabaei Science & Technology Policy Making, Graduate School of Management and Economics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran. Seyed Iman Miremadi Sharif University of Technology Mahdi Zarghaami Water & Agriculture Governance, Governance School, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran. Journal Article 2024 06 19 The current policy of water data in Iran is facing many problems while the number of users and the variety of services required in the field of water and its data are increasing. There is often a gap between what is available and what public and private decision makers need; But due to the high costs of creating the infrastructure to gather, process and share these data, many people and private sector investors cannot afford to implement these infrastructures; For this purpose, government infrastructures should be used to access these data. This research, the data of which was obtained with 15 semi-structured interviews and analyzed with thematic analysis and institutional mapping methods, showed that there are certain institutional barriers to receive these data and information from government organizations in Iran, such as the lack of comprehensive policy, natural monopoly of data in the government, the discretionary performance and the competition of government organizations with each other. Therefore, the goal of this research was to open public access to these data and 4 solutions were presented. Finally, the solution of "public-private collaborative interaction with responsible organizations" helped most of all to solve the identified problems. The current policy of water data in Iran is facing many problems while the number of users and the variety of services required in the field of water and its data are increasing. There is often a gap between what is available and what public and private decision makers need; But due to the high costs of creating the infrastructure to gather, process and share these data, many people and private sector investors cannot afford to implement these infrastructures; For this purpose, government infrastructures should be used to access these data. This research, the data of which was obtained with 15 semi-structured interviews and analyzed with thematic analysis and institutional mapping methods, showed that there are certain institutional barriers to receive these data and information from government organizations in Iran, such as the lack of comprehensive policy, natural monopoly of data in the government, the discretionary performance and the competition of government organizations with each other. Therefore, the goal of this research was to open public access to these data and 4 solutions were presented. Finally, the solution of "public-private collaborative interaction with responsible organizations" helped most of all to solve the identified problems. https://sspp.iranjournals.ir/article_715633_a2be2dbcf0381d55f6330953ce4c3168.pdf

Center of Strategic Studies Strategic Studies of public policy 2538-5038 14 51 2024 08 22 Analyzing the Ethical and Policy Considerations of Data-Driven Governance Analyzing the Ethical and Policy Considerations of Data-Driven Governance 104 124 715153 10.22034/sspp.2024.2025254.3587 FA Alireza Dehghanpour Farashah PhD Student of Public Administration, Public Policy and Administration Department, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. 0000-0001-5954-9733 Afsaneh Dehghanpour Farashah Assistant Professor, Public Governance, Faculty of governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. 0000-0002-4248-6884 Journal Article 2024 03 20 Big data is considered a valuable asset and provides significant opportunities for policy makers. Data-driven governance is a new approach in public administration and seeks to use these opportunities with the systematic use of data. Data-driven governance needs to comply with special ethical and policy considerations, and in the absence of them, it faces malfunctions such as discrimination, power concentration, social harms, reduction of public trust, and human rights violations. The current research approach is inductive and based on interpretivism philosophy. In this qualitative-exploratory research, data was collected using 15 in-depth and unstructured interviews with experts in the field of data-driven governance. The snowball sampling method was used to select the experts of this research. Finally, after analyzing the interviews with thematic analysis method, ethical and policy considerations of data-driven governance were identified. Based on the findings of this research, the ethical considerations of data-driven governance include data and its management transparency, legal access, considering people's authority and consent, preserving people's privacy, and collecting high quality data. Additionally, its policy considerations encompass data-driven dynamics, training and culture development, the creation of a monitoring and correction mechanism, cooperation and partnership with the private and international sectors, and ensuring data security. Big data is considered a valuable asset and provides significant opportunities for policy makers. Data-driven governance is a new approach in public administration and seeks to use these opportunities with the systematic use of data. Data-driven governance needs to comply with special ethical and policy considerations, and in the absence of them, it faces malfunctions such as discrimination, power concentration, social harms, reduction of public trust, and human rights violations. The current research approach is inductive and based on interpretivism philosophy. In this qualitative-exploratory research, data was collected using 15 in-depth and unstructured interviews with experts in the field of data-driven governance. The snowball sampling method was used to select the experts of this research. Finally, after analyzing the interviews with thematic analysis method, ethical and policy considerations of data-driven governance were identified. Based on the findings of this research, the ethical considerations of data-driven governance include data and its management transparency, legal access, considering people's authority and consent, preserving people's privacy, and collecting high quality data. Additionally, its policy considerations encompass data-driven dynamics, training and culture development, the creation of a monitoring and correction mechanism, cooperation and partnership with the private and international sectors, and ensuring data security. https://sspp.iranjournals.ir/article_715153_becc510f5ed8551ea30ebf947805a348.pdf

Center of Strategic Studies Strategic Studies of public policy 2538-5038 14 51 2024 08 22 Regulatory approaches to managing policy-related and ethical challenges in data-driven governance Regulatory approaches to managing policy-related and ethical challenges in data-driven governance 126 149 715446 10.22034/sspp.2024.2026882.3625 FA Mostafa Mahmoudi Governance Faculty, University of Tehran, TEHRAN, IRAN Iman Akbari Faculty Of Management And Accounting و Allameh Tabataba'i University 0009-0008-0520-1510 Sahar Babaei Governance Faculty, University of Tehran 0000-0002-1017-4181 Journal Article 2024 04 20 As a key mechanism in governance, the intersection of data-driven governance and regulatory frameworks can play a crucial role in addressing the numerous challenges of Data-centric governance. This issue is particularly pertinent given the advancements in data-based technologies, such as artificial intelligence, alongside the evolving needs of society. This paper employs the meta-synthesis method to examine regulatory approaches in managing these challenges. The primary objective of this research is to identify and analyze the policy and ethical challenges associated with data-driven governance and to propose effective regulatory solutions for managing these issues. The study's findings indicate that formulating comprehensive and clear regulations, establishing independent regulatory bodies, developing technical standards and guidelines, public education and awareness, and international cooperation are among the most important regulatory aspects of data-driven governance. This research, with a focus on the country's needs and based on a regulatory approach, offers practical and policy solutions that could improve the oversight and enforcement of laws related to data-driven governance. This paper employs the meta-synthesis method to examine regulatory approaches in managing these challenges. The present study is qualitative, with its philosophical foundations and paradigm being interpretive. The research orientation is applied, aimed at developing practical knowledge in a specific field. As a key mechanism in governance, the intersection of data-driven governance and regulatory frameworks can play a crucial role in addressing the numerous challenges of Data-centric governance. This issue is particularly pertinent given the advancements in data-based technologies, such as artificial intelligence, alongside the evolving needs of society. This paper employs the meta-synthesis method to examine regulatory approaches in managing these challenges. The primary objective of this research is to identify and analyze the policy and ethical challenges associated with data-driven governance and to propose effective regulatory solutions for managing these issues. The study's findings indicate that formulating comprehensive and clear regulations, establishing independent regulatory bodies, developing technical standards and guidelines, public education and awareness, and international cooperation are among the most important regulatory aspects of data-driven governance. This research, with a focus on the country's needs and based on a regulatory approach, offers practical and policy solutions that could improve the oversight and enforcement of laws related to data-driven governance. This paper employs the meta-synthesis method to examine regulatory approaches in managing these challenges. The present study is qualitative, with its philosophical foundations and paradigm being interpretive. The research orientation is applied, aimed at developing practical knowledge in a specific field. https://sspp.iranjournals.ir/article_715446_22e8c81656dd15b984e4cb3d9b6b1e09.pdf