A framework for voluntary business-government information sharing

Abstract

Over the last few decades, businesses have developed sophisticated information systems that allow the capture of vast amounts of data. Such data can be potentially useful for enabling government authorities to improve their processes and services. For example, access to business documents and track and trace information associated with supply chain activities is of great interest to customs administrations. Such information holds the potential to make customs risk assessment processes more efficient and effective and to enable faster clearance of goods crossing borders. Businesses, however, are often not willing to voluntarily share information with the government beyond what is strictly mandated to be shared by law (e.g. submitting customs declarations). There is only limited academic research and a general lack of understanding amongst practitioners about how voluntary business-government information sharing can be achieved. In this study, we present a framework to analyse the barriers, drivers, and enablers of voluntary business-government information sharing and the governance processes that make such voluntary information sharing possible. Our analysis shows that voluntary business-government information sharing can succeed when there are strong drivers and a government agency willing to take the lead in initiating the process.