Federal data management for smart services in the public sector

As is well known, there is a fundamental conflict of interest when it comes to data usage. Resolving this conflict is currently one of the greatest challenges in enabling new, groundbreaking solutions and services within businesses and public administration. How can the interests in data availability be reconciled with the right of the parties involved to data sovereignty? How can we unlock the treasure trove of data still lying dormant in the depths of many organisations without contravening applicable legislation such as the GDPR?

Whether in B2C or B2B: users have a right to their data

The provisions of the GDPR regarding the protection of individuals’ personal data are essentially extended to the handling of data in B2B and Business-to-Administration (B2A) contexts. In every case, a distinction is made between the data holder and the data owner. For example, the purchaser or lessee of a machine or piece of equipment automatically becomes the owner of the data collected by the manufacturer through its use. As such, they decide what may and may not be done with this data. The same applies to the provision of vehicles: the vehicle manufacturer makes the vehicle data available, whilst the vehicle owners use this data. This allows them, for example, to choose a service provider of their choice, thereby avoiding vendor lock-in.

What does federated data management mean for cities and local authorities?

In a federated data system, a public authority will in future act as the federator for all the data it collects. This also applies to software products used by public authorities to manage their administrative processes. This means that the commissioning authority retains control over the data collected using these systems. The local authority can decide to transfer the required data to other service providers in a manner that complies with the GDPR, i.e. whilst respecting personal data protection rights. This opens up new opportunities for collaboration with service providers. For example, when a local authority transfers data collected in public car parks to operators of smart parking systems, it remains the owner of the data; the operators are permitted to use it within a defined framework and may not pass it on to third parties without the local authority’s permission.

Sovereign data exchange within a federated data architecture at federal, state and local authority levels provides a basis for many data-driven administrative services in the field of mobility and transport. A key technical component of this architecture is the connectors developed by Materna, which continuously and automatically monitor data exchange and ensure that data quality requirements and access rules are adhered to.

Practical example: Better preparedness in the field of civil protection

Together with the City of Freiburg, Materna has currently developed a concept for a federated data hub at local authority level, which focuses on the optimal networking of all stakeholders in the event of a disaster. The scenario: In Freiburg’s old town, with its narrow streets and bustling squares, emergency services must carry out a rapid evacuation during a major event.

To ensure that all parties involved are optimally prepared for such a situation, the city is to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation. The aim is to take preventative measures to ensure that too many people do not become caught up in a stampede in a confined space. Sensors in public spaces help with this by monitoring visitor numbers – though not individual visitors. Thresholds are defined to determine which areas should be evacuated, cordoned off or opened, and how the fire service, police, security and emergency services, event organisers and local department store or shopping centre operators should work together.

Solutions based on a federal data hub enable a wide variety of scenarios to be developed across Germany and existing systems to be improved.