Abstract: ［Purpose/Significance］The establishment of Chief Data Officer （CDO） is an important measure for the innovation of government data governance.［Design/Methodology］With literature review, case study and comparative research, this paper systematically analyzed the settings and operations of government chief data officer system in different governments by taking the United States as the representative.［Findings/Conclusion］This study comprehensively studied the background and evolution of institutional operating mode for chief data officer system and its role played in government data exploration and use. Meanwhile, it also conducted a comparison on the differences of functional orientation between government chief information officer and chief data officer.［Originality/Value］This paper offers an elaboration on the basic structure of government chief data officer system, as well as a summary of main functions and operating conditions for government CDO, which could provide reference to improve the organizational system of government data governance in China.

Key words: Government chief data officer, Government data governance, Opening government data, Chief information officer, Institutional mode of data governance