Our approach and tools
The Data Sharing Coalition works on realising several (cross-sectoral) data sharing use cases. In these use cases, organisations from different domains collaboratively define and realise a use case in which new value is created thanks to data sharing. Besides new value creation in the context of the use case, the use cases provide insights into what is required to achieve interoperability between different data sharing initiatives. This supports the development of generic agreements for data sharing which the Data Sharing Coalition aims to realise.
Based on our experience with developing these different use cases, the Data Sharing Coalition offers support and several tools to tackle the common problems in use case development.
Introduction to our approach
When developing use cases, working step by step ensures progress and enhances the chances of success, which is why we opted for a phased approach. Furthermore, it allows to gradually increase the commitment of involved stakeholders. This three phased approach was chosen based on the common challenges identified per stage in the development of our use cases so far. The Data Sharing Coalition use case approach consists of three phases.
- Explore: identify the benefit of sharing data in this use case and which actors need to be involved
- Design: design the agreements, tools, and processes that need to be in place to establish trust needed for sharing data in this use case
- Implement: create and implement the agreements, tools, and processes needed to realise data sharing in this use case
This approach is tailored to the needs of the use case depending on the context.
Phase 1 – Explore
In the first phase of use case development, we guide you through several steps that enable you to kickstart a data sharing use case. The goal of this phase is to establish a clear scope of the use case and identify its potential impact. This is typically achieved after participating in a few workshops with the Data Sharing Coalition project team and market research (e.g. interviews, desk research). During this process, we help you to structure and clearly formulate the use case. You can get a glimpse of the process in our Use Case Playbook. After finishing this process, the result is a news article published on the website of the Data Sharing Coalition.
Feel free to contact us once you have your initial idea and the first version of the completed playbook to get help in your use case development journey.
Phase 2 – Design
In the second phase of use case development, we work with a group of stakeholders representing all actors involved in the use case to create an overview of all relevant topics in a high-level use case design. The goal of this phase is to establish a high-level use case design that covers all elements needed to create the necessary trust for sharing data in this use case and that is ready for potential future scalability. The high-level design can be used for example when applying for funding for the implementation – it shows that all relevant topics needed for trust have been considered. By organising workshops with all relevant stakeholders and by applying our Use Case Blueprint, you will produce the design for the use case. In the workshops, the BLOFT model is used to create an overview of all topics relevant for your use case. BLOFT is an abbreviation for Business, Legal, Operational, Functional, and Technical. For example, a topic that has to be considered under Business is Fee structures, for Legal it’s Governance, and for Functional it’s Privacy features. Download our Blueprint for more examples.
Furthermore, the Data Sharing Coalition can support you to ensure that all contextual criteria are met before moving to the implementation phase. This could for example include support to arrange funding, involve a sufficient number of stakeholders, or create awareness of the value of the use case.
Phase 3 – Implement
In the third phase of use case development, all involved stakeholders work on the implementation of the use case. After implementation of the required agreements, you will have a live pilot of your use case. The tool that helps you in this phase is our Use Case Implementation Guide (UCIG) . This document is based on the lessons learned so far from our Green Loans use case and provides you with requirements for the functional and technical implementation of your use case, which helps to ensure interoperability and scalability in the future.
The benefits of use case development support by the Data Sharing Coalition
The Data Sharing Coalition offers:
- In-depth expertise on all relevant topics and tools that have to be covered to realise a successful data sharing use case.
- Neutral facilitation of workshops, meaning the Data Sharing Coalition is an independent party with no direct interest in the use case
- Resources such as the processes and tools discussed and hours invested by the Data Sharing Coalition project team.
- Funding of €20k per use case. The funding is subject to conditions such as availability, in-kind investments, and approval of the Harmonisation Group.
- Exposure of the use case, the parties involved, and the results via our website and social media channels.
This is how we (help) create data sharing use cases. Do you have an interesting idea for a (cross-domain) data sharing use case? And do you want to develop this in collaboration with the Data Sharing Coalition or learn more about our approach? Get in touch and start your data sharing use case journey.