In today’s digital age, data has emerged as a driving force for change across various sectors, and the public sector is no exception.

At this week’s Snowflake Summit 2023, industry leaders gathered to discuss the growing importance of data modernization in government and the transformative role it plays in shaping the future.

“We’re squarely in a transition to data,” said Jeff Frazier (pictured, left), vice president and head of global public sector at Snowflake Inc. “If you look at the top 20 tech companies by market cap in the world, they are data companies or being driven by data. We’re in that transition now … our governments, as the largest producers and consumers of data, have a ton of information that can be utilized to modernize.”

Frazier and Rick Hanson (right), chief data officer of the Oregon Department of Human Services, spoke with industry analysts Dave Vellante and Lisa Martin at Snowflake Summit, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed the insights shared at the Summit, highlighting the evolution of data in the public sector and the strategies being employed to embrace a data-centric approach for improved outcomes and experiences. (* Disclosure below.)

The growing importance of data modernization in government

Despite macro headwinds and market compression, two sectors, namely small businesses and government, are experiencing significant growth. As a chief data officer, Hanson discussed the challenges of building a data strategy that aligns with the Oregon Department of Human Services’ goals and steers the state in the right direction.

The technical aspects are no longer the primary challenge, he emphasized; rather, it’s the people and processes that need to be addressed. By fostering collaboration between the technical team and the business side, Hanson aims to create a data-centric mindset and leverage data to improve outcomes and customer experiences.

“I was a CIO and a PNC insurer some years ago, and we didn’t know what to do with the data team,” Hanson said. “It became apparent to me once I became a CDO … you’re flipping the mindset… for the first time, able to put customer experience, client experience in the first position, because you’re leading with that. That’s what I’m most excited about and I think that’s where the biggest challenges come from.”

Data as the catalyst for change

Data is becoming the driving force for change, according to Frazier. The combination of available capital and the democratization of data is fueling a movement toward faster and more efficient learning in the public sector.

Avoiding early exposure to potential capabilities helps manage demand effectively. For the Oregon Department of Human Services, the partnership with Snowflake plays a vital role in this process, as it provides the foundation and story needed to inspire the organization while ensuring timely implementation.

“When you have all the capital and you sprinkle it with the democratization of data … you’re starting to see a big move to learn faster and learn more. It’s all the efficiencies that are benefiting our public actors, and that’s really critical for us,” Frazier said.

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of Snowflake Summit:

(* Disclosure: TheCUBE is a paid media partner for Snowflake Summit. Neither Snowflake, the sponsor of theCUBE’s event coverage, nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE