This chapter serves as an introduction to the Handbook of Governance and Data Science, focusing on how governance studies and data science converge to enhance public sector decision-making through advanced analytics and large datasets. It highlights the potential of data science in providing tools for informed decision-making, improving service delivery, and enhancing transparency and accountability in government operations. Additionally, the chapter addresses significant challenges and ethical concerns, including data privacy and the implications of algorithmic decision-making. It organizes the Handbook chapters along three thematic areas: Data Applications for Policy Challenges, AI Governance and Innovation, and Responsible and Participatory Data Use by Government. These themes reflect the current research focus and the critical areas of development in the integration of data science with governance.