Opportunities and Challenges of Data Governance Policy-Making in the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

Department of Information Science and Knowledge Management, Faculty of Public Administration and Organizational Science, College of Management, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.47176/SMOK.2026.2028

Abstract

Purpose: This study identifies and prioritizes the opportunities and challenges of data governance policymaking within the Iranian Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy.
Methodology: A quantitative survey was conducted. Data governance components were identified through a literature review, and a researcher-developed questionnaire was distributed among managers, data specialists, and information technology staff at the Center for Transformation and Progress Cooperation. Data were analyzed using the Friedman, Spearman, Mann–Whitney, and Kruskal–Wallis tests in SPSS.
Results: Ten data governance policymaking components were identified based on the Data Management Association (DAMA) framework. Data modeling and design was identified as both the greatest opportunity and the most significant challenge. Seven components showed favorable opportunity status, whereas three were relatively favorable. For challenges, seven components were unfavorable and two were relatively favorable. Significant correlations were found among all components, while demographic variables had no significant effects.
Discussion: The findings indicate that data modeling and design requires the highest policy priority because of its dual role. Components with favorable opportunities should be reinforced, whereas those in relatively favorable condition should be improved before addressing more critical weaknesses. The strong relationships among components highlight the need for coordinated policymaking.
Conclusion: Identifying the opportunities and challenges of data governance policymaking provides a roadmap for governmental institutions. An integrated policy model that simultaneously strengthens opportunities, mitigates challenges, and considers interactions among all components can improve organizational performance and support more effective data governance.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Copyright ©, Zahra Faghihi; Nastaran Poursalehi; Alireza Noruzi

License

Published by Imam Hossein University. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode

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Strategic Management of Organizational Knowledge

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 July 2026

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History

  • Receive Date: 04 March 1405
  • Revise Date: 28 March 1405
  • Accept Date: 12 April 1405

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