Education: Why is data sovereignty so important for municipalities?

Data sovereignty is a key tool for local authorities to effectively control their data and thus promote trust, transparency and efficiency in decision-making processes. In areas such as transport, security and waste management, where local authorities use extensive data sets, data sovereignty is essential to ensure independent access and management of these resources. Without sovereignty, municipalities risk dependence on external providers, loss of control over important and critical data and the ability to serve their citizens comprehensively and effectively.

The main challenges include dependence on providers, a lack of resources and navigating complex legal frameworks. Solutions include a clear governance policy, investment in skills and infrastructure, and pilot projects that demonstrate the value of local data control in a sustainable way. Inspiring examples such as the real-time traffic app in Finland, the citizen feedback platform in Bologna and the smart garbage cans in Barcelona show how data sovereignty promotes innovation and sustainability. It is crucial that the general public is empowered to use data for the good of society in order to shape a future based on inclusion and citizen-centricity in digital governance.

As an international expert in digitalization and digital transformation, aconium GmbH is shaping the implementation of and compliance with data sovereignty in the urban context in two European INTERREG projects(DoorCE & Data for All). aconium is pursuing compliance with data sovereignty in the context of open data as part of the INTERREG Central Europe project DoorCE. In addition, a first training module was developed by the project partner Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Schleswig-Holstein as part of the INTERREG North Sea Region project “Data for All”. Find out more about the importance, challenges and opportunities of data sovereignty in municipalities in the 12-minute conversation on YouTube.

Further Data for All training courses will soon be available on the Data for All website and on the YouTube channel will be made available soon.