From big data to higher bureaucratic capacity: Poverty alleviation in China

Abstract This study explores how big data technologies can create an “information commons” shared by all policy stakeholders to alleviate the corruption and information asymmetries long endemic poverty alleviation programs. We argue that commons transform discrete first into with clear purposes then actionable knowledge. process increases bureaucratic competence improving accuracy efficiency of coordination augments reliability facilitating investigation prevention corruption. substantiate our propositions through extensive field interviews officials citizens in a Chinese province is using China's monitoring platform powered technology implement anti‐poverty policies. Our illustrates importance data–information–knowledge chains governance.