Our client, a central authority established to oversee the comprehensive development of a major rapidly expanding capital in the region, faced significant challenges in its data management capabilities. At the outset of our engagement, our client had no established data office, lacked a formal data governance framework, and had no clear data strategy or policies in place. This absence of structured data management posed a critical barrier to effective city planning and development, undermining our client’s ability to efficiently respond to urban growth and infrastructural demands.

To address these challenges, our consultancy team embarked on a multifaceted approach designed to establish and refine our client data management capabilities.

Our initial step involved conducting a detailed maturity assessment of existing data handling processes, assessing areas of strength and pinpointing critical gaps.

Leveraging our experience and national data frameworks and international best practices, we crafted a tailored data strategy that aligns with both national expectations and global best practices with a focus on driving value through business-driven data use cases.

In parallel, our team facilitated the creation of a data committee composed of key stakeholders across various departments to foster inter-departmental collaboration and ensure that data governance principles were uniformly applied across the organization. Our team then orchestrated the activation of the data management office responsibilities.

The impacts of our consultancy efforts were immediate and profound. The maturity assessment provided a clear, comprehensive view of its data management practices, highlighting areas for improvement and detailing actionable steps towards enhancement. This assessment was instrumental in defining the strategic direction for the newly established data office.

This strategy served as the backbone for the subsequent establishment of our clients data management office, a pivotal entity tasked with overseeing data governance across our clients departments and functions.

The formulation and implementation of a robust data strategy empowered our client to not only meet the requirements set forth by regulatory mandates but also to position itself as a leader in data-driven urban development. The strategy provided a clear framework for using data-driven means to enable strategic decision making and more effective city planning.

Perhaps most critically, the establishment of the data committee has ensured ongoing governance and oversight of data management practices. This body plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and security of data, fostering a culture of data-driven decision making, and ensuring compliance with both national and international standards.