With the move towards evidence-based policymaking, the need for high-quality data — which can include statistical and qualitative data, but also existing research — has increased for policy makers and public sector organisations. Against this background DG SANCO asked RAND Europe to explore international good practice of using data in policymaking. Based on previous research in this field, this report develops a conceptual framework for characterising and classifying the different elements of a data strategy for public sector organisations. This framework comprises the key questions of how to identify and define data needs, how to collect data, how to analysis and how to use data.