The aim of the Swiss data ecosystem is to break down the silo structures used to hold and manage data by creating common spaces for data sharing. These are environments in which data on specific topics or in specific sectors – mobility, health, agriculture, etc. – can be shared securely by businesses, universities, public authorities, organisations and private individuals. Through these ecosystems, data can contribute to prosperity, economic success and scientific progress.

On 8 December 2023, the Federal Council instructed the Federal Chancellery to set up a central contact point for the development of the Swiss data ecosystem. The contact point commenced its work on 15 January. It is operated by the Federal Chancellery in collaboration with the Federal Office of Communications, the Federal Statistical Office and the Directorate of International Law.

Contact point to develop and support a common framework and promote international cooperation

The contact point aims to develop a framework and implement measures to ensure that the Swiss data spaces move in a common direction, for example through a common set of rules. It will ensure that data spaces are interoperable and are integrated in the Swiss data ecosystem.

The contact point will advise and support data space projects in conceptual, organisational and legal matters. In addition, it will bring stakeholders together and promote the exchange between representatives of data space projects. Interested parties will be able to exchange expertise and experience in communities of practice.

The contact point will also work with international partners and organisations, such as the Fraunhofer Institute for Software and Systems Engineering, in order to ensure that Swiss data spaces are compatible with European and global initiatives in this area.

Additional value for Switzerland

Data space projects are currently being developed in several areas, such as health (DigiSanté), tourism (National Data Infrastructure for Tourism) and agriculture (agridata.ch). The great potential of data lies in the fact that it can be used and combined for a variety of applications. One example is the planned data infrastructure for mobility, which will enable public authorities and public, private and freight transport stakeholders to exchange mobility data. This will enable emergency services to get to the scene of an accident more quickly, for example, or delivery companies to plan their routes more effectively.

Glossary:

Swiss data ecosystem
The Swiss data ecosystem is a framework for interoperable and trusted data spaces in Switzerland. The federal government is creating clear rules and standards so that data can be used securely and across sectors.

Data space
Data spaces are thematically defined environments (e.g. a mobility data space, a health data space or an agriculture data space) where stakeholders from business, science, public administrations and the general public can share data in a trusted environment, thus enabling its multiple use. The Swiss data ecosystem website of the Federal Chancellery provides an overview of ongoing data space projects.

Interoperability
Interoperability is the ability of systems, organisations or institutions to work together and exchange data more easily across technical, linguistic, organisational and legal barriers. Interoperability requires common standards, clear interfaces and coordinated processes.

Trustworthy data space
Trustworthy data spaces allow users to make their data available according to the principles of digital self-determination. A trustworthy data space is based on certain principles, such as transparency, controls, fairness, responsibility and efficiency (see ‘Code of conduct for operating trustworthy data spaces’).

Community of practice
A community of practice is a group of people who share a common interest or activity and regularly share knowledge and experience.

Swiss data ecosystem: Contact point becomes operational