Support for Prototypes
The Swiss Data Ecosystem project supports prototypes that accelerate the further development of the Swiss data ecosystem. These prototypes are intended to help gain experience with interoperable and trustworthy data spaces.
Prototypes fulfil two main functions in a data ecosystem: firstly, they provide proof of concept for the data ecosystem; secondly, the experience gained from the prototypes is fed back into the design of the data ecosystem. They are particularly suitable for testing technology and solution-orientated aspects of architecture.
Support
The Swiss Data Ecosystem project supports prototypes financially and in terms of content and staff. Interested organisations or project teams can contact the Swiss Data Ecosystem Contact Point to request support for a prototype within the framework of the Swiss Data Ecosystem. The following criteria apply to Swiss data ecosystem prototypes:
- The use case addresses a real need.
- An initial description of the objectives and a solution specification are available.
- The use case connects users across several levels of the Federal Administration.
- The solution is scalable and can be applied to other use cases.
- The use case specifically benefits the Swiss data ecosystem and its international connectivity. This benefit can also be conceptual in nature.
If you have any questions or ideas for prototypes, please contact the Swiss Data Ecosystem Contact Point (dataspaces@bk.admin.ch). Further information can also be found in the document Call to Action (in German).
Prototypes already supported
The following prototypes are already supported:
The prototype for agridata.ch deals with the development of a trustworthy data space for the agri-food sector. It examines the possibilities for an efficient exchange of data between farms and inspection bodies based on an initial use case, with a key focus on the digital self-determination of farmers. The resulting preliminary study presents findings and recommendations for developing the data space further.
- Automated Data Extraction for Cancer Registries Prototype
This prototype combines two use cases related to cancer registry data. In a first step, semi-structured data on the disease itself and cancer diagnoses collected by Baden Cantonal Hospital are converted into a standardised form using AI. This data is then transmitted in an automated and structured form to the Canton of Aargau cancer registry. From there, the data is collected by the National Agency for Cancer Registration (NACR). This prototype therefore addresses issues of interoperability, standardisation and trustworthiness, with particular attention being paid to data protection requirements.
- Basic Data as Linked Open Data Prototype
This prototype, developed by Bern University of Applied Sciences, is investigating how key administrative data can be made easier to find, harmonised and reused as linked open data. To this end, a proof of concept for a knowledge graph is being developed, which brings together existing public administration data sources such as LINDAS and ld.geo.admin.ch. Using specific use cases, such as the visualisation of commune mergers and a widget for commune websites, the project demonstrates how basic data can be more easily integrated into applications. In parallel, relevant basic data will be identified and best practices, governance structures and funding options for its provision will be developed. The prototype thus contributes to interoperability, reduction in duplication and the further development of trustworthy Swiss data spaces.
- DataMesh Study
- Data Space Sandbox Prototype
This prototype, developed by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, is creating a low-threshold data space for experimentation, testing and demonstration purposes. Participating organisations can use it to gain practical experience of joining a data space, connecting their own data sources and using the data provided. The project focuses on the use of a virtual home energy management system in the building sector, for which interoperable data from various sources will be provided. The prototype includes a minimal set of rules, open-source connectors, an identity hub, a catalogue and logging components. The sandbox data space thus provides technical and organisational insights for setting up productive, trustworthy data spaces and contributes to the further development of the Swiss data ecosystem.
- Data structuring and masking Prototype
- Digital transformation of spatial planning
This prototype, developed by the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE), is exploring how spatial planning data can be coordinated and used efficiently across institutional boundaries. Using AI-supported methods and a prototype platform, the aim is to digitise, harmonise and make key planning resources – such as building and zoning regulations and data on unused development capacity within existing settlement areas – more accessible. The platform is designed to link basic data, enable visualisations and statistics, and support scenario-based assessments that inform spatial planning decisions. The prototype thus contributes to interoperability, data reuse and the digital transformation of spatial planning in Switzerland.
- EspaceMétéo API Prototype
MeteoSwiss is developing an EDR API prototype to provide weather and climate data in a structured, interoperable and machine-readable format. The interface is intended to make data accessible in a high-performance, secure and standardised manner, thereby testing its interoperability with a future ‘EspaceMétéo’ data space. The prototype includes the expansion of the API infrastructure, monitoring, access management, initial auditing functions and testing. MeteoSwiss is thus contributing to the further development of a trustworthy Swiss data ecosystem.
MeteoSwiss has its own large monitoring network, which has been measuring data continuously and often in real time for decades. The use cases for these measurements and data are extremely diverse and cross-sectoral. The Weather & Climate Prototype examines the necessary steps to achieve an interoperable data space that better exploits the potential of weather and climate data in the Swiss data ecosystem for new cross-sector use cases and questions. MeteoSwiss will develop the foundation for this by spring 2025.
- Hydro-climate Data Space Prototype
The SUPSI prototype is investigating the development of a hydro-climate data space to improve risk and disaster management. Using the floods in the Maggia Valley as a case study, the project analyses how relevant data can be exchanged securely, interoperably and rapidly between the federal government, the cantons, communes, the research sector, the private sector and emergency services. The project focuses on developing a transferable blueprint setting out the governance, legal, business and technical foundations, as opposed to building a dedicated IT infrastructure. The aim of the prototype is to strengthen coordination, early warning systems and decision-making in the event of hydro-climatic extreme events, and to contribute to the further development of a trustworthy Swiss data ecosystem.
- LinkML Prototype
- Linked Data for Natural Persons Prototype
This prototype examines distributed data storage and its networked use based on the data of natural persons (e.g. social security number, name, address, marital status, etc.). The aim is to understand how personal data can be used in a secure and trustworthy manner across multiple systems using a real-world example. The prototype is being implemented as part of the Swiss Data Ecosystem project.
- MODI Sandbox Prototype
The Federal Office of Transport (FOT) is developing a secure sandbox as part of a MODI preliminary study to test a selection of representative use cases of the mobility data infrastructure. The project focuses on the exchange of mobility data between data providers and data users, particularly for the use case of routing emergency responders from the Swiss rescue and public safety organisations (BORS). In the process, heterogeneous data sources are accessed, described as data products and made available via a data distribution infrastructure. The sandbox is designed to define requirements for interoperability, target architecture, data products, participant management and visualisation. The prototype thus contributes to the gradual development of a trustworthy and interoperable mobility data space in Switzerland.
- OBSAN Doctor Monitoring Prototype
This prototype starts with the development of an interoperable data space that brings together data on the medical profession from different surveys and different data producers. The aim is to obtain an overall picture of doctors in Switzerland based on existing public and private data. A national web platform is at the heart of the monitoring, which also provides data at cantonal level where possible. The data space is intended to serve as a basis for the development of national measures in the area of education and training, for example. In the longer term, it should also be possible to use the web monitoring to manage outpatient service providers at cantonal level.
The Federal Office of Topography swisstopo is using the study on Geodata as the Basis for Trustworthy Data Spaces to create a foundation to better position itself as a player in the creation and operation of trustworthy data spaces in Switzerland in the coming years. Alongside the role of geodata in data spaces and the role of swisstopo as the Federal Coordinating Agency for Geoinformation, the implementation of the Code of Conduct is also being examined in detail.
The creation of the TriRegio Data Space will expand the multiple use of data from the three cities of Basel, Freiburg im Breisgau and Mulhouse. The aim is to digitally strengthen the three-country region and for the three regions to actively collaborate with one another. The following aspects will be analysed in a first step in order to develop the foundations of the data space:
- SwissAIRTD
This prototype, developed by Made in Bern and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, is creating an open, standardised and AI-compatible data model for Swiss tourism. The aim is to improve the integration of existing tourism IT systems and to make data – particularly regarding points of interest and opening hours – more reliably usable for AI systems such as large language models. In parallel, a method is being developed to measure the impact of data processing on the visibility and quality of tourism information in AI applications. The prototype enhances semantic and technical interoperability, improves the reusability of tourism data and paves the way for Switzerland's integration into European tourism data spaces.
Contact
Swiss Data Ecosystem Contact Point
Digital Transformation and ICT Steering DTI Sector
Monbijoustrasse 91
3003 Bern