Key facts
Data is considered one of the most important resources of any administrative unit. Consequently, in 2021, in response to motion 20.4260 “Future-proof data infrastructure and data governance in the Federal Administration”, the Federal Council decided to establish appropriate governance structures. The aim is to create the necessary foundations for successful digitalisation, making it easier for interested parties to find and use Federal Administration data. At the same time, the Federal Administration is to establish clear rules, processes and responsibilities for collecting, using and protecting data.
The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) examined whether the seven departments and the Federal Chancellery have established governance structures for data management. The audit findings show that the departments have so far made only limited progress towards achieving the Federal Council’s objective. Given the low level of implementation, the SFAO decided not to pursue further examination of the planned audit questions and concluded the horizontal audit ahead of schedule.
18
parliamentary procedural requests relating to data governance
2021
Federal Council took note of the target vision for data governance
2 out of 7
departments have specific approaches to data governance
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Federal Council’s target vision for data governance has only been partially implemented
As a result, the Federal Administration is not yet fully harnessing the benefits of digitalisation for the public.
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Significant differences between departments
Only two out of seven departments (DETEC, DDPS) have a data governance framework and strategy in place. A further three departments have developed initial approaches to data governance.
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Federal Administration data strategy is lacking
The other departments are waiting for a Federal Administration-wide data strategy, currently being drawn up by the Federal Data Board. Without a specific, measurable implementation plan, this is unlikely to generate significant impact.
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Key elements of data governance have been established
The steering model involving the Conference of Secretaries General and the Federal Chancellery’s Digital Transformation and ICT Steering Sector, the Federal Digital Transformation and ICT Steering Council and the Federal Data Board have been established.
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Roles of data stewards unclear
The data stewards are familiar with the concept. However, their tasks and responsibilities vary significantly across the different departments and offices, and further clarification of roles is required.