Strengthen data governance and data exchange models

The purpose of a data exchange framework is to facilitate data sharing while ensuring data privacy, security, and compliance. It also allows entities to share data with partners, customers, and other stakeholders without compromising the confidentiality or integrity of the data.

Data as a fuel for efficiency

Digitisation and automation are crucial components of driving efficiency. However, a key precondition to any digital and automated project is data. Data management is foundational to achieve efficiency, improve decision-making, enhance collaboration, streamline processes, and enable scalability. However, in order to manage data properly, clear governance and exchange models need to be defined.

Data governance model

A data governance model is a set of policies, processes, and standards that define how an organisation manages its data assets. It provides a framework for ensuring the accuracy, consistency, security, and privacy of data across the organisation.

Data exchange framework

A data exchange framework is a set of guidelines and standards that enable the secure and efficient sharing of data between different entities. The framework defines the rules, procedures, and technologies required for exchanging data in a trusted and reliable manner.

In the absence of data governance and exchange models
There are a number of things that can go wrong. Some of the most common problems include:
Data inconsistency

Data stored across the organisation in different formats, systems, or locations can lead to inconsistencies and hinder obtaining a reliable view of information.

Integration challenges

Introducing new systems becomes complex without a framework, leading to costly integration projects and potential compatibility issues.

Data silos

Absence of a framework results in separate data maintenance by departments, limiting data sharing and collaboration, reducing visibility and access to critical information.

Data security and compliance risks

Data may be transmitted without proper security measures, increasing the risk of breaches and non-compliance with regulations.

Manual processes

Companies rely on error-prone manual processes like copying data or using spreadsheets, leading to discrepancies and inefficiencies.

Lack of scalability

Without a framework, scaling becomes challenging, hindering the addition of new data sources, partnerships, or expansion into new markets.

Lack of real-time information

A data exchange framework ensures timely data flow between systems, enabling up-to-date information for effective decision-making.

POLICIES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE SHARING AND EXCHANGE OF DATA

Currently, the below policies govern data exchange:

Data repositories

The government has reference data repositories that are considered primary, accurate, and reliable sources of data, eliminating any duplication or conflicts in the data. The following considerations are taken into account:

Government entities responsible for reference data repositories are obligated to comply with data sharing and facilitating its exchange. They must also prioritise the confidentiality of individuals’ personal data and adhere to relevant regulations.

Government entities responsible for data repositories are obligated to provide and manage accurate and up-to-date reference data repositories.

Government entities, as well as others, are obligated to use a single, trusted, and updated data source for handling data within the country, ensuring consistency. Government entities must refrain from creating separate databases to collect the same data already available in the reference data repositories.

Government entities are required to use data in accordance with the reference data repositories.

Data sharing

Government entities are committed to complying with laws and regulatory provisions regarding the sharing or exchange of data. There are laws concerning information security and data privacy.

Government entities are committed to providing accurate, complete, and upto-date data when sharing it.

Government entities are obligated to share or exchange data through the government’s digital services portal and refrain from creating any direct data sharing points between government entities and external parties to safeguard the data security and privacy of government entities and others.

Government entities are required to commit to sharing or exchanging data only through the approved mechanisms in the digital government.