Survey: Big Data can improve people’s lives

The results of a survey released by the TechAmerica Foundation revealed that a big majority of federal and state IT officials believe that big data and other analytical tools have great potential to make governments more efficient and improve citizens’ lives, particularly in health and public safety sectors. The study indicates a variety of value propositions of big data for the public sector, including:

• “Substantial budget cuts: Federal IT officials say real-time analytics of Big Data can help the government cut at least 10 percent annually from the federal budget, or about $1,200 per American, for example by detecting improper healthcare payments before they occur.
• Lifesaving potential: According to 87 percent of federal IT officials and 75 percent of state IT officials, the use of real-time Big Data solutions will save a significant number of lives each year. For example, medical researchers can aggregate information about healthcare outcomes to reveal patterns that lead to more effective treatments and detection of outbreaks.
• Crime reduction: 75 percent of state IT officials see the practical benefits of Big Data in medicine and public safety as extremely beneficial. Police departments are currently using Big Data technology to develop predictive models about when and where crimes are likely to occur, helping dramatically reduce the overall crime rate in specific locations.
• Enhanced quality of life: Real-time Big Data is helping the government improve the quality of citizens’ lives, according to 75 percent of federal IT officials. For example, by gaining insight into huge volumes of data across agencies, the government can provide improved, personalized services to citizens.”

See also The Big Data Commission report, Demystifying Big Data: A Practical Guide to Transforming the Business of Government