Resources
Inception Report
Bridging Data And System Silos
The "Bridging Data and System Silos" inception report examines Nepal's digital and data landscape, highlighting the fragmentation caused by over 120 isolated digital systems across government ministries. These systems lack interoperability, leading to data silos, inconsistent standards, and inefficient data utilization for policy-making. The report identifies policy, data, and operational silos as key challenges, exacerbated by limited coordination, inadequate data quality, and a lack of skilled personnel. It proposes a comprehensive regulatory framework, scalable digital systems, and enhanced data governance to improve interoperability. Opportunities include leveraging initiatives like the National ID Program, Nagrik App, and open data advocacy to foster innovation and better service delivery.
Key Insights
- Fragmented Digital Infrastructure: Nepal operates over 120 digital systems in isolated silos, causing redundant data entry, inconsistent formats, and poor data use for informed decision-making.
- Policy Silos: Independent digital policy-making by ministries like MoCIT and MoFAGA, without a unified framework, leads to duplication and inconsistent standards across government levels.
- Data Silos: Separate databases across institutions (e.g., NSO, MoF, MoALD) violate FAIR principles, preventing integrated analysis and hindering cross-sectoral policy development.
- Operational Silos: ICT implementations—such as in health and disaster systems—lack coordination, resulting in disconnected platforms, inefficiencies, and communication gaps.
- Challenges: Inter-ministerial disconnect, low data quality, limited ICT capacity, weak infrastructure, and slow Open Government Data progress collectively undermine digital governance.
- Proposed Solutions: Recommendations include a national regulatory framework, centralized and interoperable systems, standardized data formats, and comprehensive data governance policies.
- Opportunities: Emerging platforms like the National ID Program, Nagrik App, National Data Profile, and G-Cloud services present integration possibilities and innovation potential.
- Capacity Building Needs: Improving IT infrastructure, developing human resources, and cultivating a data-driven culture are essential for effective digital transformation in governance.
