The Datafication of Elder Care Services in China: A Policy Analysis

The study examines the datafication process in China's elder care service policies through the lenses of the data value chain and data gaze frameworks. As China faces rapid population aging, digital transformation has become a strategic priority to enhance care quality and efficiency. The research analyzes 103 national policies (2011–2024) to map how data value is created across four stages: collection, organization, circulation, and utilization. Findings reveal an uneven policy focus, with heavy emphasis on foundational infrastructure (data collection and organization) but limited attention to data utilization and ethical governance. The data gaze analysis highlights a top‐down vision prioritizing technical systems and regulatory control, often overlooking user inclusivity and practical implementation challenges. While policies have established platforms for data integration and sharing, gaps persist in capacity building, stakeholder collaboration, and equitable service delivery. The study contributes theoretically by integrating the data value chain and data gaze to critique policy frameworks, and practically by identifying actionable areas for improvement, such as fostering inclusive participation and strengthening late‐stage data value creation. The study offers valuable lessons for global research on public sector data governance.