Data analytics were heavily used during pandemic-stricken months by nations like China, UK, India

2020 has brought many seismic shifts in terms of government policies and technological innovations in the wake of the global pandemic. Leaders were forced to make decisions that not only helped to fight the COVID-19 but also kick-started a series of transformations that will shape the world in the next following years. The old edifice of reliance on historical data was dismantled as government bodies focused on proactive and real-time data insights to respond more effectively to the epidemic. Thus, changing how these leaders depend on data, data analytics that power the economy.

As the virus spread across geographical borders, various nations like China, South Korea rushed to leverage big data analytics to track and contain the outbreak. It also helps in enhancing drug development, as well as providing insights on reopening the economy in countries like UK, USA. Like researchers started to aggregate large datasets that were parsed using artificial intelligence, C-suite business leaders also employed data analytics to understand the dynamics of a volatile market, and changing consumer demands.

Nations like India, UK and Australia relied on contact tracing apps to collect information in addition to strict quarantine protocols. Data amassed from these apps helped estimate the probability that any given neighborhood or individual has been exposed to COVID-19 by matching a user's smartphone location to known infection hotspots. The problem with these apps was that they were a huge threat to one's privacy. This is why governments also had to bear the brunt of privacy advocacy groups. Meanwhile, Google and Apple had to update their initial contact tracing app proposal to address industry stakeholders' feedback and privacy concerns.

In the following year and post COVID-19 era, the government's main priority will be to focus on measures that will recover economy, restore normalcy, rebuild businesses, propel the adoption of disruptive technologies, and improve resilience. All these factors will aid in boosting the digital economy in the long run. Today, as the digital economy has entered every facet of our lives, i.e., from online shopping to digital payments and more; it has also brought many new avenues of revenue generation too. Besides, it also offers new channels to engage with customers and develop new experiences.

This also implies that government must also collect data from disparate sources, social media and more, while ensuring they do not violate user privacy rights. Latter is possible by using data that has user-permissions and is de-identified. Currently, the primary objective of the government authorities should be to determine whether their new policies will be welcomed by the market, businesses, and public. They can also use it to identify the priority groups for vaccinations.

Data analytics on new, real-time datasets can help the government in budgeting spending, creating taxes, deciding on interest rates, making their programs and initiatives data-driven, improving counter-fraud measures and more. Further, it can offer informed insights that can facilitate actions to increase private sector employment, improve graduation rates, attract new investment to the state, evaluate economic programs for childcare, healthcare, safety and education. Former Governor of Indiana and current Vice President of USA, Michael Richard Pence had leverage data analytics to enhance government programs' management and effectiveness and make Indiana a leader in data-driven decision-making; during his tenure as Governor. Governments around the world can follow his footsteps and be inspired to use data analytics for the benefit of their regions too.

Other exemplary illustrations of how data analytics helped government bodies include,

• CSIRO and Geoscience Australia undertaking immense data management and analytical methods for the nation's ecological protection and sustainability;
• US Branch of Education is leveraging learning analytics and data mining frameworks to screen and address an online student's study design and identify fatigue from patterns of crucial snaps in real-time
• The Center for Disease Control (CDC) sifting through social media to follow the spread of diseases, including COVID-19.

While few governments have already taken steps to maximize the use of data analytics to reinforce the depressed economy, we can expect more of these scenarios in the future. Data analytics will not only lead to smart governance but also boost productivity, understand consumer savings behavior and internal operations of businesses. Moreover, it will improve transparency, cost reduction, delivery of community health, and preventive health programs.