Today, data is a core resource that can – and does – shape our everyday lives. It sits behind the systems that deliver essential public services, powers how we find and receive information, and can be used to tackle pressing global crises like climate change. In a world where the promise of data is maximized, everyone benefits in meaningful ways.
But effectively unlocking data is no easy feat. It requires a well-designed, implemented and governed digital ecosystem that creates the enabling environment, and essential safeguards, to access – and share – data.
As the amount of data generated rapidly expands, and so does its potential uses, the need to get this right is more critical than ever. Integrated national data exchange systems could provide a linchpin to this effort.
Governments across the world are implementing integrated national data exchange systems. We can learn from their experiences.
In this paper, we unpack the different considerations, approaches, and tradeoffs that countries are considering as they implement their own integrated national data exchange systems. By highlighting efforts by Bangladesh, Rwanda, Uganda, and Ghana, we explore how each of these countries are progressing in their efforts to promote trusted data exchange.
Some of our key insights include:
- The importance of citizen buy-in and trust in achieving long-term success.
- The value of systemic thinking to generate greater interest and expand value.
- The necessity of participatory policymaking to promote adoption, buy-in, and trust – as well as the extensive time and resources required.
- The need for long-term investment and strategy to build and sustain good national data exchange systems.
By highlighting these case studies – and the resulting insights – we seek to support policymakers and government technology leaders as they navigate the complexities of implementing effective national data exchange systems. At the same time, these insights can act as a guide for donors and investors as they consider where and how to make strategic investments.
In addition to this Integrated national data exchange insights paper, we will be publishing four in-depth case studies to highlight our learnings from Bangladesh, Uganda, Rwanda, and Ghana.
