Census Big Data Analytics Use: International Cross Case Analysis

Despite the growing practices in big data and big data analytics use, there is still the paucity of research on links between government big data analytics use and public value creation. This multi-case study of Australia, Ireland, Mexico, and U.S.A. examines the state of big data and big data analytics use in the national census context. The census agencies are at varying stages in digitally transforming their national census process, products and services through assimilating and using big data and big data analytics. The cross-case analysis of government websites and documents identified emerging agency challenges in creating public value in the national census context: (1) big data analytics capability development, (2) cross agency data access and data integration, and (3) data security, privacy & trust. Based on the insights gained, a research model aims to postulate the possible links among challenges, big data/big data analytics use, and public value creation.