Analyzing large data sets -- so-called big data -- will become a key basis of competition, underpinning new waves of productivity growth, innovation, and consumer surplus as long as the right policies and enablers are in place. Research by the McKinsey Global Institute and McKinsey's Business Technology Office examines the state of digital data and documents the significant value that can potentially be unlocked. Drawing on detailed analysis of five domains -- health care, retailing, the public sector, manufacturing, and personal location data -- the research identifies ways to leverage big data.

Analyzing large data sets -- so-called big data -- will become a key basis of competition, underpinning new waves of productivity growth, innovation, and consumer surplus as long as the right policies and enablers are in place. Research by the McKinsey Global Institute and McKinsey's Business Technology Office examines the state of digital data and documents the significant value that can potentially be unlocked. Drawing on detailed analysis of five domains -- health care, retailing, the public sector, manufacturing, and personal location data -- the research identifies ways to leverage big data.