Data Gaps

PESTEL Summary - Data Gaps

Several factors in PESTEL contribute to the existence of data gaps in various fields. Firstly, the political factor is important to consider, as legal obstacles often makes data collection more difficult. These are particularly related to conflicting legislation and challenges in accessing sensitive information from private companies and government entities. EU decisions and regulations also play a role in governing the use of land and seas in Sweden.

Secondly, the social factor emphasizes the importance of exploring the ocean and collecting data since the majority of our oceans remain unexplored. The need for inclusive policies and addressing data gaps related to marginalized communities is an important next step regarding social aspects.

Technology is a significant factor in filling ocean data gaps. Initiatives like Peladrone demonstrate how technology plays a crucial role in gathering information about the oceans. Technological advancements offer promising solutions to fill the data gaps, making it a key aspect in the PESTEL framework.

Lastly, legal obstacles present challenges in collecting ocean data, particularly due to conflicting legislation and limited access to sensitive information. The influence of EU decisions and regulations further complicates land and sea use in Sweden, affecting data collection efforts.

Deep Dive - Data Gaps

In short terms, a data gap can be described as the absen ce of any valid study or studies in the Agency's files which would satisfy a specific data requirement for a particular pesticide product. (R9)

Over 80 percent of our oceans are still undiscovered. But data is everywhere, therefore it is important for many more to explore the ocean in order to gather data. A good example of how an initiative to collect data about our oceans can lead to reduced emissions is Peladrone. Which is a company that uses a drone to collect data on how much fish there are at certain places. When the data have been gathered they have an app that makes the data available. Today, fishers spend around 45 percent of their time searching for fish. With the Peladrone initiative, this time will be greatly reduced. (R11)

While policymakers have access to more data than ever before, the quality and coverage of data related to marginalized communities have received less attention. Data gaps, both known and unknown, limit the government's ability to create inclusive policies. There are three kinds of data gaps; (R10)

Primary data gaps, where policymakers are aware of missing data but have limited opportunities to fill the gaps (R10)
Secondary data gaps, where data is potentially available but come with its own challenges. (R10)
Hidden data gaps refer to datasets used for policymaking that contain misrepresentation, bias, or missing data without the government's knowledge. (R10)

Something that is important to note when it comes to filling these data gaps is the legal obstacles. Agnes Ytreberg and Erland Lettevald explained this further in their interview. They work for the Swedish agency Marine and Water Management and explain that they are in need of a great deal of data. But because of conflicting legislation companies, like the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, faces challenges when it comes to collecting the data. One particular challenge is related to underwater noise pollution. The agency is responsible for gathering data on the impact of sudden noise on marine environments. However, it relies on data from private companies and government entities, such as the Swedish Armed Forces, who are not required to share sensitive information with the agency.

This creates a difficult situation for the agency. It needs data to make informed decisions but cannot force certain organizations to provide the necessary information. Striking a balance between data needs and respecting sensitive information is a delicate task. The agency must navigate this complex situation to fulfil its mission of safeguarding marine and water environments.

Hedvig Lindgren, the climate spokesperson for LUF, gives more background to this problem. She explain that in Sweden, the use of land, including seas, is regulated by various government laws. Most of these laws originate from decisions made by the EU, and they are automatically implemented in Sweden. Lindgren notes that the EU is good at making decisions that generally fit well, but some may cause conflicts of interest. This can be exemplified by the situation of the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management mentioned above.