The Swiss data ecosystem is intended to promote the multiple use of data by stakeholders in business, government, academia and the general public within a trusted framework. The goal is to better exploit the potential of shared data. In fulfilment of the Federal Council's mandate of 8 December 2023, the Swiss data ecosystem project is creating the foundation for trusted data spaces.
The value created from data is maximised when data can be used multiple times and for different applications. This has enormous potential for business, government, research and society as a whole. Common data spaces will make it easier for stakeholders to share their data, breaking down the silo structures formerly used to hold and manage data. At the same time, fundamental principles such as data compliance regulations must be maintained.
Data space
A data space is a technical and organisational structure that enables and regulates the provision, sharing and accessing of data from different sources and by different stakeholders. Data spaces typically address the needs of a specific sector and are defined by their purpose, based on clear rules and standards. They are run by a data space operator.
Swiss data ecosystem
The legal, organisational, semantic and technical framework must be in place for data to be used effectively across organisations and sectors in Switzerland. This is the goal of the federal government's Swiss data ecosystem project.
Vision
The following diagram shows a simplified vision of the Swiss data ecosystem: a range of players from business, government, the general public and academia are joining forces to create interoperable and trustworthy data spaces (for example in the energy sector). The entirety of all trustworthy and compatible data spaces in Switzerland form the Swiss data ecosystem.
The stakeholders work together to jointly shape the Swiss data ecosystem and develop it further. The data ecosystem is a trusted, interoperable, internationally compatible and sustainable.
Further information can be found in the document setting out the vision and goals of the data ecosystem:
Measures
The Federal Council has adopted various measures to help promote the Swiss data ecosystem:
- Implementation of motion 22.3890 'Framework law for the secondary use of data': The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) will draw up the legal basis for the secondary use of data.
- Code of conduct for trusted data spaces: The code of conduct contains governance mechanisms and standards that define how and under what conditions we as a society will use data in the future. It serves as a recommendation for the Federal Administration and is not legally binding.
- Establishment of a single point of contact for the Swiss data ecosystem: The single point of contact started operating at the beginning of 2025.
- Communities of practice: In order to ensure broad validation of the Swiss data ecosystem, two communities of practice will be closely involved in the work from mid-2024.
Prototypes in the context of a data ecosystem
The project for the Swiss data ecosystem supports prototypes that will help with its further development. These will provide proof of concept for trusted, interoperable data spaces. For a prototype to be recognised as such, it must cross the boundaries between different levels of public administration and the private sector, create added value for users and be scalable for additional use cases. For more information, please see the call document for prototypes.
Swiss Data Ecosystem Contact Point
The Swiss Data Ecosystem Contact Point is working on behalf of the Federal Council to ensure that Switzerland makes the best possible use of its data. It helps companies, organisations, government and academia to set up data spaces. By developing common standards and governance models, the contact point ensures that data can be used in a trustworthy and mutually compatible manner. The contact point works throughout Switzerland and also promotes synergies with international data space projects. The service is free of charge and can be contacted at the following email address: dataspaces@bk.admin.ch
Further information
Contact
Federal Chancellery
Digital Transformation and ICT Steering DTI Sector
Monbijoustrasse 91
3003 Bern