A critical survey of selected government interoperability frameworks

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present such an analytical framework for analyzing Government Interoperability Frameworks (GIFs) and to do a comparative analysis of a set of GIFs using the analytical framework. Based on the comparative analysis, the paper presents a set of recommendations useful for new GIF initiatives.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on literature and personal knowledge and experience, an analytical framework is proposed for qualitative comparison of GIFs. The analytical framework is based on three core areas of interoperability frameworks – context, content, and process. A total of 21 GIFs are analyzed and evaluated against the framework. The primary sources of information for the study are the interoperability framework documents. In some cases, published articles, brochures, etc. are used as additional sources of information.FindingsThe comparative analysis shows that the analytical framework adequately covers all the features of the GIFs. Comparative analysis also shows that most of the GIFs concentrate mainly on technical and syntactical aspects only. Organizational and semantic issues are covered only by a handful of GIFs. At the policy level, most common interoperability policies are found to be: the universal adoption of common specifications used on the internet and world wide web, use of XML for data integration and data management, and use of open standards for all public sector information systems. Regarding management of GIF, it is found that German, Greek and New Zealand GIFs document the process of standards life cycle management in a much better way, whereas UK e‐GIFs' coverage of management and compliance mechanism of GIF is excellent. Overall, it is found that the UK e‐GIF is one of the most mature and exhaustive on all counts. German – Standards und Architekturen f¨r eGovernment‐Anwendungen on the other hand is found to be a unique effort. It incorporates features of both an enterprise architecture and those of an interoperability framework.Originality/valueThe contribution of the study is substantial for academia and practitioners. For academics, this framework can be used in future research as a tool to benchmark and grade GIFs. The practitioners, on the other hand, can use the study, to identify various essential features of a GIF which can be very useful for new GIF initiatives. The six‐layered e‐government technical architecture discussed here can be used to check the current status of technical interoperability in an organization and to identify gaps in the technology coverage.

Contextual Components of an Enterprise Architecture Framework for Pan-European eGovernment Services

“…The first phase (awareness building) relates to the establishment of the European Interoperability Strategy (EIS) and the European Interoperability Framework (EIF) [1], [19]. The EIS and EIF have stimulated the work on and adoption of several national interoperability frameworks [14], [20]. The EIS and EIF provide conceptual guidance for the creation of an European Interoperability Reference Architecture (EIRA) 1 in phase two (establishment).…”

“…EA frameworks support the process to develop, maintain and evolve a multidimensional approach, where interoperability is examined beyond technical connectivity considering social, political, cultural and legal factors as well [2], [5], [14], [16], [20], [28]- [30]. EA frameworks support a broad range of objectives and enable decision making on different levels.…”

“…The CCP model was introduced to IS research by Symons (1991) [13] and has been applied in several studies (e.g. [14]). In relation to EA frameworks, the content dimension scopes 'what' constitutes the architecture design (e.g.…”

A Fuzzy Ontology-Driven Approach to Semantic Interoperability in e-Government Big Data

“…In the e-Gov context, interoperability means providing better services to promote efficiency, transparency and resource saving for society [5]. E-Gov interoperability is so important that the United Nations Development Program [6]- [8] encourages governments round the world to define their interoperability architectures, known as e-Government Interoperability Frameworks -e-GIFs Currently, countries and institutions such as the United Kingdom, Brazil, Germany, Denmark e the European Union are some examples of governments that have their e-GIF defined [9]. An e-GIF aims to define an interoperability model that a government should follow at technical, semantic and organizational levels and includes technical and non-technical issues.…”

A Structural Equation Model (SEM) of Governing Factors Influencing the Implementation of t-Government

“…Strategies and Regulations are important in any development of e-Government, and one of the most important elements involved in the implementation of t-Government [9], as its establishment inevitably requires major changes in strategic direction, and to modes of paradigm thinking [10,11]. Thus a comprehensive e-Government strategy becomes a major factor when collaboration between government agencies is necessary to ensure the successful presentation of an online service [11][12][13].…”