19 CHAPTER 3. TOWARDS A DIGITAL LOCAL DATA ECOSYSTEM There are compelling reasons for the government of Myanmar to move towards a digital local data ecosystem. Switching to digital systems reduces the burden on government officials, helps streamline processes, and facilitates easier and less costly interactions with businesses and the public. Digital collection methods can capture better data, and moving information from paper to digital formats permits more effective data sharing and analysis and access to realtime data. Reflecting on experience in supporting township-level evidence-based policymaking and digital data solutions, this chapter lays out the guiding principles and key considerations for developing Myanmar’s digital local data ecosystem. 3.1 GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR DEVELOPING A DIGITAL LOCAL DATA ECOSYSTEM Six guiding principles for developing a digital data ecosystem 1. 2. 3. Digital solutions are not an end in themselves Digital reforms are important because they are an opportunitiy to reimagine existing ways of working How data will be used should be the starting point for digital reforms 4. 5. 6. Data integrity and trust in data should always be the priority Digital reforms should start small. The sustainability of reforms should be considered from the beginning.