As one who represents a population of data scientists, a group for which the TechAmerica says there is growing demand, I have seen quite a few–and written a number of–articles about recent big data conferences:

For those who contributed to the ACT-IAC discussion with Congressional staff members on Big Data at the Hill – Defining and Understanding Policy Implications, I offer some specific ideas to three suggestions in their report:

What Congress should do to help big data

The federal government should first focus on the value of big data

The federal government should foster real innovation with government data

I even provided more detail to Congressional staff members on nine topics of special interest to them in the guide below, including my ideas on trends, issues, and comments.
See the full table at the end of this article.

My hope is that my suggestions will actually inform decision makers to productive action.

I agree with the The TechAmerica’s Big Data Commission report, “Demystifying Big Data: A Practical Guide to Transforming the Business of Government,” when it says:

“Government agencies should think about Big Data not as an IT solution to solve reporting and analytical information challenges but rather as a strategic asset that can be used to achieve better mission outcomes, and conceptualized in the strategic planning, enterprise architecture, and human capital of the agency. Through this lens, government agencies should create an ownership structure for the data, treating it like any other asset – one that is valued and secured.

“Ultimately, agencies should strive to address the following two questions – ‘How will the business of government change to leverage Big Data?’ and ‘How will legacy business models and systems be disrupted?’

Note that my recent story on “Open Government Data and Statistical Data: Haven’t We Been Here Before?” talks about senior government statisticians viewing so much of what has been done with open government data as “IT projects” and not solid statistics and data science for decision makers:

I also agree with the report when it says::

“Because of the importance of data in the digital economy, the Commission encourages each agency to follow the FCC’s decision to name a Chief Data Officer. To generate and promulgate a government-wide data vision, to coordinate activities, and to minimize duplication, we recommend appointing a single official within the OMB to bring cohesive focus and discipline to leveraging the government’s data assets to drive change, improve performance, and increase competitiveness.”:

I have made the same suggestion to Congressional staff members recently as well, emphasizing that many individuals in government, such as CIA Chief Technology Officer, are are essentially functioning in multiple roles that include data science, computer science, and big data entrepreneurship.

But we need more of them, not just speaking at conferences, writing reports, and evangelizing big data, but leading teams that do best practice examples of big data for the business and science of government in cooperation with industry and academia.

We also need concrete examples that deliver return on investment soon and often for big data to gain and retain taxpayer support in these tight budget times.

Nine Big Data Topics of Special Interest to Congressional Staffers: