21.2 Data Analytics

Data analytics is the practice of using information to discover patterns, answer questions, and guide decisions. In Ohio state government, employees in these roles collect and interpret data that agencies need to carry out their work. Analysts may track health information to monitor disease or study traffic flow to improve road safety. Their work relies on software that can handle large amounts of information and present results in a way that leaders and the public can understand. By applying data analytics, the state is able to base decisions on evidence and manage resources more effectively.

Today, many government employees are expected to use data in some form, even if it is not their main job. At the same time, there are specialists who focus on this work, such as data scientists, performance analysts, GIS specialists, and innovation officers. These roles are not limited to Ohio’s state government but are also found in city governments and federal agencies. Together, they show how important data has become to the daily work of public service.