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22-11-2023
Rolling the dice for the future
We live in a time of incessant search for information and content. We share, transfer and consume data, even unconsciously. Data, which is expected to be of high quality, is the pillar of innovation, of the invaluable force that is artificial intelligence, of socio-economic growth... in short, of much of our daily lives. And yet, this digital goldmine is still often exploited in a chaotic, inefficient way and often outside the applicable legal framework.
But what if we talked about a single data space in our Europe? A place where data, regardless of its nature, is secure, but neatly available to those who need it, if you'll pardon the Anglicism, for good. A place that brought with it the guarantee and commitment (and the ability to fulfill it) of the security of that information, which is fundamental to consumer confidence.
With this single space, by centralizing and optimizing data storage, we could also fulfil a sustainability purpose, reducing energy consumption and minimizing the environmental impact of the digital economy, saving on the resources used to keep servers and data centers running.
What's more, it would open up new possibilities for a single market in data that is openly and legitimately available and capable of helping not only people, but also companies and the third sector to adapt their offerings and boost their growth. This would be an ecosystem where organizations of different scales and business purposes - micro and small businesses, innovative startups and tech giants - would dive into a veritable ocean of valuable data to improve their products and services and develop new solutions. More creative solutions that truly drive economic growth and create value.
More than a dream, this is a real ambition. It won't happen without a collaborative effort from governments, companies and citizens. Without establishing a solid legal framework that guarantees data protection and promotes trust in this future system. Without creating solid and efficient storage and sharing infrastructures.
It's an ambition that requires substantial investment in research and technology, but also in the training and literacy of the people who see their data processed and who themselves, even in the exercise of their legitimate citizenship rights, want to have access to third-party data. Raising public awareness of the benefits of a single European data space, so that citizens understand the advantages it can bring, both for their security, for the development of a competitive and prosperous digital economy and for environmental protection.
It's a goal worth pursuing. The journey began with the existing legislative pipeline, mostly from EU sources, which establishes the principles, rules and sanctioning framework applicable to privacy and data protection, open data, access to administrative and environmental information and the re-use of administrative documents, among others, but also with soft law instruments such as the OECD recommendations, the CNPD itself, Open Data tools, the FAIR principles and GO FAIR, etc. And it hasn't stopped. At the moment, the first National Data Strategy is being prepared, which will be a fundamental instrument for establishing a solid and informed data culture at national level. This Strategy already has its first virtue, which comes from its governance model. The realization of the importance of establishing a vision, pillars of action and concrete goals, designed with the participation and effective collaboration of representatives from various sectors - including .PT - from the public to the private sector, including academia, immediately reveals the pragmatism with which the issue is being addressed today at national level.
This is the key for Portugal to position itself, with clarity and strategic thinking, at the heart of this objective that should belong to all Europeans. This will ensure that we help define a path of greater opportunities and gains for all. In this way, we ensure that we are, in the way that best defends our interests, laying the foundations for the future we want.
This article was originally published on the Imagens de Marca website on November 17, 2023.
Please note: the articles on this blog may not convey the opinion of .PT, but of its author.
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