Building Data Literacy in Federal Agencies

WebinarFebruary 2022

Governments around the world are trying to forge data cultures and democratize data throughout their agencies.

In the middle of 2020, the Federal Data Strategy 2020 Action Plan was released, outlining a multiyear, holistic approach to government information that includes building a culture that values data, growing data skills, and promoting efficient and appropriate use of data in decision making.

In this discussion, we sit down with Bryan Fagan, Chief - Community Outreach Branch at the United States Air Force - Analytics Community, and Bryan Irish — Director of Digital Workforce at the Chief Technology and Innovation Office of the United States Space Force to discuss the importance of building data culture and skills in government agencies, and some of the challenges and opportunities of democratizing data skills and data culture in a government setting.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of building data culture and data literacy in government
Best practices launching data culture programs within a government setting
Effective ways to spread data skills and data literacy across government agencies

Summary

In a rapidly changing digital environment, federal agencies are increasingly recognizing the significance of data literacy to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. The discussion primarily revolved around the U.S. Space Force and Air Force's efforts to incorporate data-driven decision-making into their operations. This involves transitioning from traditional analog processes to more agile, digital methodologies. The conversation elaborated on the importance of upskilling various individuals within these organizations, from beginners to digital tools to those already proficient in data science. The leaders stressed the need for a cultural change to value data-informed decisions over hierarchical orders. They pointed out initiatives like the Digital University and collaborations with platforms such as DataCamp and Coursera to facilitate continuous learning and professional development. The discussion also highlighted the challenges of creating a data culture within government agencies, particularly the need for leadership support and creating an environment conducive to experimentation and innovation.

Key Takeaways:

Data literacy is vital for improving efficiency and agility in government operations.
Federal agencies are transitioning towards data-informed decision-making, moving beyond traditional hierarchical processes.
Upskilling across diverse learning individuals is essential to meet the unique needs of each role within an agency.
Establishing a culture that values data-driven insights requires leadership support and strategic communication.
Digital platforms such as DataCamp and Coursera play a key role in upskilling the government workforce.

Deep Dives

Data Literacy and Cultural Shifts

Federal agencies are increasingly focus ...
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ing on building a culture that gives priority to data literacy and informed decision-making. This cultural change is essential for organizations like the U.S. Space Force and Air Force, which are transitioning from traditional hierarchical models to more agile, data-driven approaches. Brian Fagan, a speaker at the webinar, stressed the importance of moving beyond gut-feeling decisions to data-informed strategies. He highlighted the need for organizations to adapt to this change by creating a culture that supports experimentation and learning from failure. This new approach requires a major shift in mindset, especially within hierarchical structures that have traditionally valued command-based decision-making. The challenge lies in convincing leadership and personnel of the long-term benefits of this transformation, even if it means embracing short-term disruptions.

Upskilling Across Diverse Learning Individuals

Upskilling is a central theme in the effort to enhance data literacy within federal agencies. The webinar explored various learning individuals, ranging from complete beginners to experienced data scientists. Brian Irish outlined the importance of designing learning paths to suit individual needs, ensuring that every member of the organization can contribute meaningfully to data initiatives. This approach acknowledges that not every role requires the same level of technical expertise, and training programs must be flexible enough to cater to diverse backgrounds and skill levels. The Space Force's initiatives, such as the Software Development Immersive and Digital University, are designed to provide custom learning experiences that align with both individual aspirations and organizational goals.

Leadership Support and Strategic Communication

Leadership support is vital for the successful implementation of data-driven strategies within government agencies. The speakers emphasized the importance of gaining leadership support to create an environment that values data literacy as a critical component of mission success. This involves not only encouraging individual participation in upskilling programs but also incentivizing supervisors to support their teams in these endeavors. The webinar highlighted various strategies to achieve this, including regular communication, strategic marketing efforts, and showcasing the tangible benefits of data-informed decision-making. Adele, the moderator, stressed that these skills are not optional but vital for modern operational capabilities.

Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Transformation

The process of digital transformation within federal agencies presents both challenges and opportunities. Organizations like the Space Force, which were 'born digital,' have the advantage of integrating digital practices from the outset, yet they still face hurdles in aligning existing processes with new technologies. The speakers discussed the importance of being open to experimentation and the potential for failure as part of the innovation process. They noted the necessity of balancing risk and reward, especially in environments traditionally resistant to change. The webinar also highlighted the role of digital platforms like DataCamp and Coursera in facilitating this transformation by providing accessible, scalable, and practical learning opportunities that align with the agencies' evolving needs.