Government Interoperability Research Articles

Interoperability Governance: An Analysis of the Impact of Digitization of Public Services on Local Government

Interoperability Governance: An Analysis of the Impact of Digitization of Public Services on Local Government

Factors Influencing the Strategic Governance of EHR Interoperability: A Rapid Literature Review.

While the importance of Electronic Health Records (EHR) interoperability is widely recognised in the healthcare digitalisation context, its optimal governance structure remains controversial, requiring further research. Through the rapid literature review of 32 articles retrieved from PubMed and EBSCO, 47 distinct factors under ten categories were established. The three most cited factors in the reviewed 32 articles were "Robust inter-institutional connections, trust, and the technologies to ensure security", "Legal adaptations to the evolving digitalisation needs", and "Standardisation of terminologies and codes, and harmonised data structure". This review contributes preliminary results for the ongoing research to optimise EHR interoperability governance.

Towards a Unified Framework for Information and Interoperability Governance.

Challenges in health data interoperability have highlighted overall health care system inefficiencies. Many organizations struggle to establish a robust data governance infrastructure to meet the increasing demands of advanced data uses, let alone sharing it with a large number of other organizations. There is a need for health care organizations to adopt information governance frameworks that encapsulates interoperability as a core attribute as this can improve data processing, knowledge translation and participation in the larger health data ecosystem. To establish interoperability between healthcare organizations, standards must exist in relation to how information is governed and circulates in the healthcare system, not just on how it is structured, stored and used within an organization. In this paper we demonstrate that interoperability between organizations cannot coherently exist without consideration of information governance within organizations. Lack of coherence can lead to lack of data accessibility, decreased organizational efficiencies, and poor data quality. With this in mind, we propose a unified framework that integrates the principles of both information and interoperability governance to increase the adaptability, flexibility, and efficiency of health information usage across the entire healthcare system.

Cybersecurity in the Western Balkans and European Regulation

The technological leap is challenging interoperable government ideas and policies for cybersecurity. Online platforms, telecommunications networks require policies that track their changes to prevent negative computer phenomena. Some countries see the opportunity for cooperation and partnership to increase cybersecurity, while other need to prepare strategic frameworks alone to face cyber warfare. Good European practices serve as a model for the Western Balkan states, guiding them towards proper legal regulation and internal legal alignment with the laws of the European Union. The Western Balkans region faces an intensification of cases showing weak cybersecurity strategies and intractable barriers to preventing cyber warfare. Cybersecurity poses not only a challenge for the Western Balkans but also a global challenge, impacting the capacity and well-thought-out government policies of the Western Balkan countries, which are also transitional countries. Through this study, the cyber landscape in which different actors navigate will be explored.

ANALYSIS OF INDONESIA'S ONE DATA POLICY IMPLEMENTATION: THE ROLE OF THE CENTRAL STATISTICS AGENCY AS A STATISTICAL DATA COACH

Satu Data is a program idea from the Government of Indonesia to improve data management so that it can support targeted policy making. To achieve this, open, accurate, and interoperable government data is needed. One of the data covered by the One Data Indonesia policy is statistical data, where the data supervisor is the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). BPS as a statistical data development agency must guide other agencies so that the implementation of statistical activities can run well. The purpose of this study is to determine the implementation of Indonesia's One Data policy so far, especially in terms of the role of the Central Statistics Agency as a statistical data coach in supporting the one data policy. The research method used is descriptive-qualitative. Data collection techniques are carried out by collecting data secondarily and primarily. Meanwhile, the data analysis technique of this study uses Edward III's theory where there are four variables in analyzing the implementation of Indonesia's One Data policy. The results of the study based on four variables in Edward III's theory, namely communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure, show that the implementation of One Data Indonesia has not gone well. Likewise, the role of BPS is still not optimal in fostering agencies and local governments to manage statistical data.

Building a Secure Platform for Digital Governance Interoperability and Data Exchange Using Blockchain and Deep Learning-Based Frameworks

Building a Secure Platform for Digital Governance Interoperability and Data Exchange Using Blockchain and Deep Learning-Based Frameworks

Managing a blockchain-based platform ecosystem for industry-wide adoption: The case of TradeLens

The proliferation of blockchain-based platform ecosystems in recent years has prompted scholars across various disciplines to explore the conditions leading to their successful deployment. However, developing a blockchain-based platform ecosystem creates various challenges for the platform sponsor that may influence industry-wide adoption and, ultimately, the platform's success. This study follows the development of TradeLens, a leading global shipping platform ecosystem underpinned by blockchain technology. We examine the factors affecting industry-wide adoption among global supply chain actors by unpacking platform value drivers and platform governance mechanisms identified at TradeLens. While the platform value hinges on the digitalization of workflows and the ecosystem leverage, the platform governance includes strategic (off-chain), technology (on-chain), and interoperability (on- and off-chain) governance – as mechanisms for effectively managing a blockchain-based platform ecosystem. This paper contributes to the literature on blockchain-based platform ecosystems and the platform literature.

Pathways to improve health information systems in Ethiopia: current maturity status and implications

BackgroundTo achieve national and international strategic goals, countries are advised to assess the maturity status of their health information systems (HIS), including business continuity and interoperability. This work aims to determine the existing maturity status of the Ethiopian HIS, set HIS improvement goals, and inform a path towards an improved national HIS by the end of 2024.MethodsThis assessment was a collaborative and transparent process that was carried out with the engagement of all key stakeholders through consultation. We used the Stages of Continuous Improvement (SOCI) tool to guide the assessment to measure the maturity level of the Ethiopian HIS in five core domains, 13 components and 39 subcomponents and to guide future plans.ResultsThe overall average score of the national HIS maturity was 2.68/5, which is categorized between repeatable (stage 2) and defined (stage 3) maturity levels. The assessment findings revealed that three out of the five HIS maturity domains were at a repeatable stage. Only the leadership and governance and the data quality and use domains were at the defined maturity level. A majority (7/13) of the subcomponents were at the repeatable level of maturity, while four were at the defined level. Policy, legal and regulatory framework and compliance from the leadership and governance domain and interoperability from the data quality and use domain were categorized as having an emerging status. Considering the current HIS maturity status, gaps and strengths identified, ongoing HIS initiatives, existing platforms, and the interest and level of engagement of senior government leadership, this assessment put forward an improvement roadmap for achieving the desired managed stage (4.37) of maturity by the end of 2024.ConclusionsThe findings show that the overall maturity level of the Ethiopian HIS is 2.68, which is between the repeatable and defined maturity stages. Enforcement of policies and legislation, data exchange among systems, and information and communication technology infrastructure business continuity planning are the main challenges of Ethiopian HIS requiring further investment. Strengthened and collaborative effort is critical to reaching the desired goal of “managed” HIS (stage 4) in the country by 2024.

A Cross - Country Study on E - Government Interoperability Capability and E-Government Services

A Cross - Country Study on E - Government Interoperability Capability and E-Government Services

Seismic risk: recent developments for the emergency management

he recent advances in cloud computing have opened new opportunities in emergency management issues due to earthquakes. In this context, Geographic Information System (GIS) based solutions have been recently investigated, with the aim of the prevention and the reduction of seismic risk. The paper focuses on the results of the research project PRISMA - cloud PlatfoRms for Interoperable SMArt Government in which an innovative open source GIS system, based on the knowledge in the field of dynamic characterization of soil has been developed in order to assess the local seismic hazard and the seismic zonation of the Enna area in the south of Italy. The paper describes how the application of prospecting and surveying techniques allowed a decisive improvement in the geological knowledge of the area, contributing to define the subsoil model for the purposes of seismic microzonation. The seismic geotechnical characterization has been performed with laboratory tests including the resonant column and cyclic torsional shear test on undisturbed samples. The interpretation of geophysical and geotechnical data and their correlation with geological units are presented as microzonatic map. Finally, a wireless sensor network has been used for structural monitoring at the aim to highlight the significant benefits when the time available for access is limited, by representing an effective way of managing risks. All the data relating to the monitoring of the buildings and to the geological and geotechnical characterization are available on the web GIS platform, representing an important tool for the prevention and reduction of the seismic risk.

A theoretical framework on the determinants of organisational adoption of interoperability standards in Government Information Networks

Increasingly, electronic governance involves multi-organisational ICT-enabled networks. Such “Government Information Networks” have the potential to be a key enabler of smart governance for the post-2015 development Agenda. However, this potential remains undermined because the partner organisations in these networks often fail to adopt and comply with the necessary interoperability standards. This paper therefore develops a theoretical framework on the determinants for the adoption of interoperability standards by organisations in Government Information Networks. Based on a literature review and data from two case studies in the Netherlands, it identifies the relevant determinants and conceptually groups them into seven determinant constructs. For each of these constructs, relevant sub-constructs are specified. By identifying key adoption determinants, the framework thus provides a useful analytical lens for policy-makers and researchers working on interoperability in government.

On federated single sign-on in e-government interoperability frameworks

We consider the problem of handling digital identities within service-oriented architecture (SOA) architectures. We explore federated, single sign-on (SSO) solutions based on identity managers and service providers. After an overview of the different standards and protocols, we introduce a middleware-based architecture to simplify the integration of legacy systems within such platforms. Our solution is based on a middleware module that decouples the legacy system from the identity-management modules. We consider both standard point-to-point service architectures, and complex government interoperability frameworks, and report experiments to show that our solution provides clear advantages both in terms of effectiveness and performance.

A fuzzy rule-based system to assess e-government technical interoperability maturity level

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to present a system called NEBULOSUS, which is a fuzzy rule-based expert system for assessing the maturity level of an agency regarding technical interoperability. Design/methodology/approach – The study introduces the use of artificial intelligence and fuzzy logic to deal with the imprecision and uncertainty present in the assessment process. To validate the system proposed and demonstrate its operation, the study takes into account the Brazilian technical interoperability maturity model, based on the Brazilian Government Interoperability Framework (GIF). Findings – With the system proposed and its methodology, it could be possible to increase the assessment process to management level and to provide decision-making support without worrying about technical details that make it complex and time-consuming. Moreover, NEBULOSUS is a standalone system that offers an easy-to-use, open and flexible structuring database that can be adapted by governments throughout the world. It will serve as a tool and contribute to governments’ expectations for continuous improvement of their technologies. Originality/value – This study contributes toward filling a gap in general interoperability architectures, which is a means to provide an objective method to evaluate GIF adherence by governments. The proposed system allows governments to configure their technical models and GIF to assess information and communication technology resources.

Model-Driven Architecture and IT Governance Ontology

In this article a research vision which links the disciplines Model-Driven Architecture and IT Governance is presented. Model transformation and semantic mapping are enabling technologies for new, advanced solutions to address IT (Information Technology) Governance interoperability. In a prototype the generation of a model is shown based on an IT Governance domain.

A System for Governmental Virtual Institutions based on Ontologies and Interaction Protocols

The authors believe that the adoption of virtual worlds is suitable for electronic government applications as it can increase the capillarity of public services, facilitate the access to government services and provide citizens with a natural and immersive experience. They present a Government Virtual Institution Model (GVI) for the provision of public services that satisfies relevant issues such as: adaptability to different citizen education level and to heterogeneous government systems; alignment with government services requirements related to security, privacy, reliability and scalability; and government interoperability requirements. The model of the GVI, the government services and the information flow across the GVI are formally described using the JamSession platform (Correa da Silva, 2011). The model of the GVI uses an architecture based on governmental patterns (including ontologies for information representation) to deal with the connections to the governmental systems, and 3D virtual world simulation systems to interact with citizens.

Interoperability adoption among government and corporate portals in India: a study

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the position of interoperability of government and corporate portals in technological adoption space in India in terms of three critical dimensions: data integration, process integration and communication integration.Design/methodology/approachThis exploratory study was conducted through a survey questionnaire from 300 portals of government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs) in India. Data were also collected from portals of Indian companies and the results have been compared with those of the government portals.FindingsThe results show that the majority of government portals in India have initiated integration. Second, the portals of Indian companies are performing better than the portals of government and PSUs for achieving an interoperable position. Third, there is high dispersion in level of integration of government portals in India.Practical implicationsThe portals with the lowest level of integration in government in India will determine when government will actually attain full horizontal integration and hence achieve an interoperable portal as there is high dispersion in level of integration of government portals in India. Also, for achieving an interoperable government portal, an organization needs to focus on the weakest factors of each dimension.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine the position of interoperability in technological adoption space in India. The results lead to a number of recommendations for achieving interoperability for government portals in India. The study also highlights the weakest factors of each dimension that require more improvement than other factors.

Linking service development methods to interoperability governance: The case of Egypt

While administrations, and especially e-government “followers,” have been recommended adopting service-oriented architecture (SOA) for the purpose of implementing G2G interoperability, the challenges of reaching this objective remain significant. General guidelines for service development and SOA governance are published, but in view of many self-contained units and IT departments on all administrative levels as well as widespread outsourcing of software development there is a lack of sharing “best practices” how to implement SOA step by step in the area of e-government. In particular, it is unknown to what extent administrations are able to follow existing service development approaches, and there is no research addressing the contribution of service development methods towards governance, i.e. developing and managing government interoperability. In this research the case of Egypt, where SOA was chosen as the main interoperability approach, has been explored in terms of to what extent the current approach to service development supports the interoperability governance, and what kind of changes in the development methods and their application would yield improvements in interoperability governance. The case analysis on practical and strategic level leads to proposing success factors related to linking the methodology of developing G2G services to the overall effort of interoperability governance. These factors, divided into interoperability problem perception, method scoping and deliverables, measurement of goal achievement, and methodological commitment, can be used as hypotheses in future research and as guidelines for improving the interoperability governance in administrative practice. Based on studying the case of Egypt, this research proposes success factors related to linking the methodology of developing G2G services to the overall effort of interoperability governance: ► Shared understanding of SOA challenges related to government interoperability is the key for stakeholder cooperation. ► Any chosen and applied method should be described by the interoperability dimensions addressed and the output delivered. ► Strategy and instruments are needed to measure the method's contribution to solving interoperability challenges. ► Linking enforcement and acceptance of a service development methodology is crucial for ensuring stakeholder commitment.

A critical survey of selected government interoperability frameworks

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present such an analytical framework for analyzing Government Interoperability Frameworks (GIFs) and to do a comparative analysis of a set of GIFs using the analytical framework. Based on the comparative analysis, the paper presents a set of recommendations useful for new GIF initiatives.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on literature and personal knowledge and experience, an analytical framework is proposed for qualitative comparison of GIFs. The analytical framework is based on three core areas of interoperability frameworks – context, content, and process. A total of 21 GIFs are analyzed and evaluated against the framework. The primary sources of information for the study are the interoperability framework documents. In some cases, published articles, brochures, etc. are used as additional sources of information.FindingsThe comparative analysis shows that the analytical framework adequately covers all the features of the GIFs. Comparative analysis also shows that most of the GIFs concentrate mainly on technical and syntactical aspects only. Organizational and semantic issues are covered only by a handful of GIFs. At the policy level, most common interoperability policies are found to be: the universal adoption of common specifications used on the internet and world wide web, use of XML for data integration and data management, and use of open standards for all public sector information systems. Regarding management of GIF, it is found that German, Greek and New Zealand GIFs document the process of standards life cycle management in a much better way, whereas UK e‐GIFs' coverage of management and compliance mechanism of GIF is excellent. Overall, it is found that the UK e‐GIF is one of the most mature and exhaustive on all counts. German – Standards und Architekturen f¨r eGovernment‐Anwendungen on the other hand is found to be a unique effort. It incorporates features of both an enterprise architecture and those of an interoperability framework.Originality/valueThe contribution of the study is substantial for academia and practitioners. For academics, this framework can be used in future research as a tool to benchmark and grade GIFs. The practitioners, on the other hand, can use the study, to identify various essential features of a GIF which can be very useful for new GIF initiatives. The six‐layered e‐government technical architecture discussed here can be used to check the current status of technical interoperability in an organization and to identify gaps in the technology coverage.

Electronic Government Interoperability

Interoperability is a crucial issue for electronic government due to the need of agencies’ information systems to be totally integrated and able to exchange data in a seamless way. A way to achieve it is by establishing a government interoperability framework (GIF). However, this is a difficult task to be carried out due not only to technological issues but also to other aspects. This research is expected to contribute to the identification of the barriers to the adoption of interoperability standards for electronic government. The article presents the preliminary findings from a case study of the Brazilian Government framework (e-PING), based on the analyses of documents and face-to-face interviews. It points out some aspects that may influence the establishment of these standards, becoming barriers to their adoption.

A framework for analysing interoperability in electronic government

E-government interoperability has been recognised to have a potentially great impact on productivity and user satisfaction. Based on the stage hypothesis model of growth in e-government interoperability, a framework to analyse and predict interoperability is suggested. Lessons learned from the experiences of the government sector in Norway are useful in analysing the number of stages, dominant problems at each stage, evolutionary path, and the economies of interoperability. Using the organisational, semantic and technical parameters of the framework, benchmarks applicable to each stage are applied to the case studies. Findings indicate that governments face different issues, expectations and benefits, depending on their maturity level.