The digitization of public administrations and the development of seamless, cross-border digital services are key priorities for European Member States. The Interoperable Europe Act provides a framework for collaboration among these countries, for a more connected, efficient, and innovative digital ecosystem.

In support of this goal, the INVEST project plays a vital role by creating a Strategic Roadmap for the implementation of the Act. To ensure the roadmap reflects the needs of Member States, INVEST in collaboration with EC has organized an open-day and a series of workshops to understand their needs, priorities and expectations and to collect valuable insights and identify potential synergies.

SDG has been recognized by the majority of stakeholders as a key interoperability solution. Existing solutions can be implemented across Member States by adopting two distinct approaches: 

• Knowledge exchange workshops, leveraging tools such as Technical Support Instrument or European Administrative Space (ComPAct).
• Adoption of a limited set of interoperability tools and standards, with mandatory implementation across all Member States.

Additionally, several best practices could be effectively applied in other Member States:

• AI and omni-channel customer service solutions and Public Service Catalogue based on Core Public Organisation Vocabulary, proposed by Finland.
• CPSV-AP and CPOV by ‘Mitos’ - the Greek Registry of Administrative Procedures, as well as GR Gov AI ASSISTANT for public services.
• The formation of a network for implementing SDG OOTS, by Nordic and Baltic countries, together with the State Digital Government Architecture of Latvia.
• Austria’s approach and solutions on Mobile Government and mobile eID towards the development of a wallet.
• Peppol network for electronic invoicing, by Luxembourg.

Some practices of the Member States were considered interesting for further investigation:

• The support that Member States offer to their national authorities in implementing the IEA.
• Mosaïco (IOP Solution) from Portugal.
• IOPA traceability platform from Denmark.

Stakeholders are willing to adopt solutions like eIDAS eID, eSignature with wallets, the Peppol cross-border network -especially for B2G and B2B, and SDG OOTS -primarily for G2G within legal limits. They also requested INVEST to further analyze Peppol, as well as aspects such as a common EU data catalogue building on SDG OOTS level, a shared EU repository of public sector bodies, and technical solutions to simplify compliance.

Policy implementation would be significantly enhanced by a clear, structured roadmap that guides organizations in developing EIF-compliant solutions across various sectors, including Health, Justice, Finance, Social Security, and others. Stakeholders identified several topics that a policy support programme should contain, to motivate their active participation:

• Interoperable and reusable cross-border data exchange approach and strategy.
• Cybersecurity.
• Initiatives to provide coherence between the national implementations of the different Wallet-like solutions introduced by EU.
• Replacing existing data exchange networks with a common network.
• Creating a shared semantic repository, developing a common data catalog for the public sector.
• Training programs to enhance the skills of public sector employees, ensuring they are equipped to implement and manage new interoperability solutions effectively.
• Guidelines to navigate legal and regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance and reducing uncertainties in policy implementation.

The Interoperable Europe Act establishes interoperability regulatory sandboxes to promote innovation and develop digital interoperability solutions for public services across the EU. Article 11 outlines the creation and objectives of interoperability regulatory sandboxes, while Article 12 details the conditions and requirements for participation in the sandboxes. 

The process for effectively managing the regulatory sandbox involves steps like defining objectives, establishing a flexible framework and governance, onboarding participants, designing testing environments, monitoring progress, providing legal support, engaging stakeholders, and implementing feedback for ongoing improvement.

The following use cases of a synergistic interoperability regulatory sandbox would be of interest:

• Integrated Public Procurement Platforms: Testing interoperable e-procurement systems that allow suppliers to participate in public tenders across different member states, promoting competition and transparency. 
• Interoperable Health Records: Developing solutions for the seamless exchange of electronic health records between countries, ensuring continuity of care for citizens moving or traveling within the EU. Having a clear vision and strategy on what needs to be achieved.
• Enhancing Single Digital Gateway and the Once Only Technical System.
• EUDIW synergies.
• Taxation use cases.

Innovation plays a pivotal role in advancing interoperability solutions. Several challenges and priorities were highlighted:

• The absence of reference architectures and basic standards.
• Lack of a human-centric approach.
• Legal and organizational barriers. 
• Technical and Semantic Interoperability.
• Governance and Coordination Complexity.
• Cybersecurity and Data Protection.
• Fragmentation of National Digital Infrastructures.
• The development of an innovation ecosystem.

Strategies to accelerate progress include:

• The extension of the Interoperable Europe Act to all digital public services not only the cross-border services.
• Implementing large scale pilot projects.
• GovTech SMEs developing specific solutions, having the Interoperable Europe Board commitment beforehand.
• Having a clear vision and strategy on what needs to be achieved.
• Focusing on the 21 SDGR cross-border services.

Additional support measures could be crucial to facilitate the successful implementation of interoperability solutions:

• A large consensus and a clear common, shared goal and approach among Member States. 
• Public consultation.
• The development and promotion of standardized frameworks for interoperability.
• The enhancement of digital literacy and interoperability skills among public sector staff.

Aligning efforts at European and national levels can strengthen cross-border interoperability. Participants provided examples of collaboration between cross-border interoperability initiatives in different sectors: 

• The European Health Data Space (EHDS)
• EUCARIS
• Single Digital Gateway and the Once-Only Technical System
• The Nordic DigiGov Lab

The Invest project partners have agreed to produce a joint survey to be sent to Member State representatives involved in the implementation of the Interoperable Europe Act, asking questions in areas agreed by the project team.

Engaging at the Member State level, a diverse range of stakeholders across different segments in cross-border interoperability, requires tailored approaches. Categorizing stakeholders into distinct segments facilitates more effective management and coordination of engagement activities. Accordingly, twelve stakeholder groups have been identified:

• Citizens/End Users – The primary beneficiaries of interoperability initiatives, ensuring a user-centered approach.
• National and EU Institutions Managing Projects and Funding Programs – Provide financial support and strategic direction, influencing project success.
• Institutions Responsible for National-Level Interoperability – Ministries or agencies overseeing legal regulations and digital coordination at the national level.
• Local and Regional Authorities – Implement interoperability measures at local levels and engage directly with citizens.
• Central Authorities, excluding digitalization/interoperability bodies – Lead national policy formulation and implementation.
• Technology and Software Providers – Develop infrastructure and digital tools for interoperability.
• Universities, Research Institutions, and Think Tanks – Offer policy recommendations, technological research, and best practices.
• Industry Media and Public Communication Channels – Enhance awareness and transparency of interoperability initiatives.
• Advocates for Digital Inclusion and Accessibility, including legal and ethical experts – Ensure equal access to digital public services, including for individuals with disabilities.
• Professional Associations and Trade Unions – Represent professionals involved in digital transformation.
• Standardization and Regulatory Bodies – Establish technical standards and regulatory frameworks for interoperability.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) – Advocate for citizen interests, transparency, and accountability.

The INVEST project’s ongoing stakeholder dialogues will continue to shape a strategic roadmap that is responsive to the Act objectives, fostering collaboration and innovation across borders.

Stay tuned for upcoming webinars and updates!