The benefits and challenges of information sharing to support data-driven public administration: A case study
Abstract
Information sharing is increasingly central to data driven public administration, yet its adoption remains limited due to legal, technical, and organisational barriers. This research explores both the benefits and challenges of interorganisational information sharing within the UK public sector. Using a qualitative case study of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), it draws on 28 semi-structured interviews with professionals across local government, health, social care, and data governance. An interpretivist approach reveals that information sharing offers significant advantages, including better or more coordinated services, earlier intervention, enhanced safety for vulnerable groups, and more efficient processes. Despite these benefits, longstanding obstacles persist, such as outdated IT systems, departmental fragmentation, limited resources, and a cautious culture shaped by GDPR uncertainty. Trust, leadership, and organisational culture strongly influence effective data sharing. The study concludes that successful information sharing depends on aligning technical interoperability with ethical governance and sustained organisational change that delivers public value.
Recommended Citation
Adekeye, Idris Abiola; Kutar, Maria; Fletcher, Gordon; Harvey, Vicki; and Rodwell, Rosie, "The benefits and challenges of information sharing to support data-driven public administration: A case study" (2026). UK Academy for Information Systems Conference Proceedings 2026. 1.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ukais2026/1