Fast Data, Slow Policy: Making the Most of Disruptive Innovation

International affairs policy and practice are particularly ripe for disruptive innovation fueled by the rise of big data and open data. While there are several loci of disruption, this paper demonstrate how the speed and time dimension in policy-relevant research in international affairs and international development are being disrupted. Three illustrative case studies—real-time macroeconomic analysis, humanitarian response, and poverty measurement—are discussed. Finally, the concluding section explores how successful policy entrepreneurs can make the most of disruptive innovation in the age of big data.