We are enhancing data spaces and improving data accessibility and discoverability through the use of data catalogues based on the DCAT Application Profile (DCAT-AP) standard. This metadata specification, widely adopted across the EU, facilitates the interoperability and discoverability of datasets published by public administrations, supporting open data initiatives. DCAT-AP is extensible and has already been tailored for specific domains such as health, public procurement, and geospatial data.

DCAT-AP is the mandated format for reporting High-Value Datasets (HVDs) under the Open Data Directive. In addition to its role in implementing the Open Data Directive, DCAT-AP also contributes to the practical implementation of the Data Act, the Data Governance Act, and the AI Act, by enabling structured metadata exchange and improved dataset visibility.

These efforts ease access to data for training more efficient and multilingual AI models. Additionally, the MLDCAT-AP extension, which is compliant with the AI Act, allows to catalogue Large Language Models and their attached algorithms, increasing AI LLMS discoverability in Europe

The eGovERA Tax Reference Architecture developed by DIGIT has played a role in supporting the implementation of the new e-invoicing directive under the Digital Age legislation. Established by DG TAXUD in collaboration with DIGIT, the FPG/042 project group, under the FISCALIS programme, aims to assist European national Tax Administrations in navigating the complex requirements of this directive. The eGovERA framework offers a standardised methodology that aids in the harmonisation of IT systems across member states, thereby minimising redundant efforts and conserving public resources. 

Many EU directives require IT systems to be built at the national level which leads to building several implementations of the same systems, usually wasting public funds and resources. Although the actual implementation is done at national level, many phases such as design, code, and testing can benefit from working group collaboration between several Member States and the Commission. eGovERA based methodology and various other tools from the EU have the potential to support Public Administrations/Organisations in this collaboration. 

The Test Bed provided by DIGIT played a crucial role in addressing the conformance testing needs of the Business Registers Interconnection System (BRIS). By utilising this existing online platform, BRIS could conduct extensive testing with a user-friendly, self-service interface, significantly reducing the effort and cost that would have been involved in creating a custom solution. The Test Bed was highly flexible, easily integrating with BRIS's infrastructure and allowing detailed test design and execution. This collaboration saved BRIS considerable resources. The cross-border dimension of BRIS, aimed at facilitating communication and information access on EU companies across nations, was effectively supported by the Test Bed’s capabilities

The Core Public Service Vocabulary Application Profile (CPSV-AP) plays a crucial role in implementing the digital single gateway system by providing a standardised framework for describing public services in a machine-readable format. By harmonising information across local, regional, and national levels, CPSV-AP facilitates efficient information search and exchange, reducing the administrative burden on businesses and citizens accessing these services. It defines mandatory and optional elements and suggests controlled vocabularies to ensure consistency and interoperability across different administrations. Supporting the Single Digital Gateway (SDG) Regulation, CPSV-AP forms the basis of the SDG Search Service Model, which improves the findability, understandability, and quality of information related to rights, obligations, procedures, and assistance services. This structured approach enhances access to public service information throughout Europe.

The work on the Once-Only Technical System (OOTS) significantly benefits from reusing key interoperability solutions like core vocabularies (Corevocs), CPSV-AP and DCAT-AP. Corevocs provide standardised descriptions for public service data, ensuring consistency and facilitating seamless data exchange across different systems and administrations. By integrating these solutions, OOTS enhances cross-border data interoperability, enabling public administrations to efficiently share and reuse data while minimising administrative burdens for businesses and citizens throughout the European Union. The eDelivery Building Block significantly supports the Once-Only Technical System (OOTS) by providing secure and reliable digital data exchange between businesses and public administrations. By enabling interoperability through technical profiles and conformance tests, eDelivery ensures seamless integration and compatibility across various digital ecosystems. It fosters reusability, allowing ecosystems to repurpose components, such as security modules, across different applications, reducing redundancy. The technical specifications offered by eDelivery ensure consistent quality and security across projects. Additionally, conformance tests verify that solutions meet predefined standards, allowing ecosystems to focus on business-level content processing.

The Interoperable Europe Portal: includes rich repository of information and resources on the state of play of digital public administration and related policies, including Digital Public Administration factsheets and best practices, practical guidelines and tools to support interoperability assessments, as well as open-source catalogue.

INVEST (Interoperability Vision in Europe-strategy Timeplan) CSA: supports the implementation of the Interoperable Europe Act in Member States, facilitates peer learning activities, and paves the way towards a possible Multi-Country Project in the area of Innovative and Connected Public Administrations. 

GovTechConnect establishes a GovTech community comprising of start-ups and SMEs working with the public sector and provides visibility through a Catalogue of GovTech initiatives.

Launched in 2023, it brings together 29 leading GovTech organisations from 21 European countries to establish a cohesive GovTech ecosystem and pilot innovative solutions for the public sector needs. To participate in this initiative, government agencies must be formally part of the Framework Partnership Agreement. More information can be consulted here. For the Incubator, there are pilots based on these challenges.

It is an observatory mapping the use of emerging technologies in the public sector. It features a database of over 1,700 use cases of emerging technologies in the EU public sector, with more than 80% related to AI, primarily at the national level. More information about the Public Sector Tech Watch can be found here.

The European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) and its Working Group on AI for Public Administrations (AI4PA) facilitates knowledge-sharing and best practices, particularly in AI adoption for public administrations.