Prescriptive analytics in public-sector decision-making: A framework and insights from charging infrastructure planning

Brandt T, Wagner S, Neumann D


Abstract
In this work, we investigate the challenges public-sector organizations face when seeking to leverage prescriptive analytics and provide insights into the public value such data-driven tools and methods can provide. Using the strategic triangle of value, legitimacy, and operational capacity as a starting point, we derive a framework to assess public-sector prescriptive analytics initiatives, along with six guiding questions that structure the assessment process. We present a case study applying prescriptive analytics to the placement of charge points in urban areas, a critical challenge many municipalities are currently facing in the transition towards electric mobility. Reflecting on the analytics application as well as its development and implementation process through the guiding questions, we derive key lessons for public-sector organizations seeking to apply prescriptive analytics.

Keywords
Decision support systems; Public value; Prescriptive analytics; Smart city; Electric mobility



Publication type
Research article (journal)

Peer reviewed
Yes

Publication status
Published

Year
2021

Journal
European Journal of Operational Research

Volume
291

Issue
1

Start page
379

End page
393

Language
English

ISSN
0377-2217

DOI

Full text