Designing an information system to support family policy making-the digital transformation of the policy making process

Policy making in the public sector is mainly supported by databases, as well as by the dispersed use of software tools. Information resources, not matter how extensive they may be, do not constitute information systems support for policy making. Drawing on the analogy of ERP systems for the private sector, information systems in the public sector are absolute necessary for evidence-based, data-driven policy making. Recognizing the complexities and multifaceted nature of family-related issues, the family policy domain is used to exemplify the design and usage of such information systems. Therefore, this paper proposes the conceptual design of a family policy information system (FPIS), which can be generalized for other policy making areas. By leveraging advanced digital technologies and methodologies, such as social analytics and stakeholder engagement tools, the proposed conceptual architecture of an FPIS facilitates evidence-based, data driven decision making to address the diverse needs of policy making support in an integrated manner. The design of an FPIS exemplifies the digital transformation of the policy making process in the public sector.