Data Access Act: more ambition and speed are needed

In a statement, the Council for Sciences, Technology, and Innovation (FORWIT) calls for the digital transformation as well as the use and secure sharing of data for the common good to be driven forward with determination. ‘An efficient data ecosystem that uses modern technologies to protect privacy is just as essential for a forward-looking social policy as it is for our innovative strength and competitiveness,’ emphasises Council Chairman Thomas Henzinger.

An efficient data ecosystem is just as essential for a forward-looking social policy as it is for our innovative strength and competitiveness.
Thomas Henzinger

The recently published data strategy for Austria and the draft law accompanying the Data Governance Act (DGA) mark the start of the necessary transformation process, which is overdue under EU law, and its consistent implementation must now follow quickly – as the DGA already came into force in September 2023.

Consider requirements in coalition negotiations

With the act, the EU created essential legal foundations for a transparent and efficient data ecosystem. From the Council’s point of view, the draft of the national accompanying law presented contains the necessary regulations for implementing the DGA and thus represents a legal prerequisite for fulfilling the EU obligations, Henzinger states. ‘However, we criticise the fact that the draft law only fulfils the minimum requirements. We see a clear need for ambition, speed and consideration of new technologies.’

The creation of a functioning and secure data ecosystem requires decisive measures and the political will to quickly establish the necessary structural and technological prerequisites – including an authority equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and expertise and clearly defined responsibilities. FORWIT strongly advises that these requirements be taken into account in the upcoming coalition negotiations.

Public sector should act as a role model

The aim should be for the public sector to act as a role model.
Helga Nowotny

At the same time, FORWIT points out that the resources provided give little hope that the public sector can take on a leading and exemplary role in building a data ecosystem that meets the requirements. ‘If the public sector takes on an exemplary role, it will make a decisive contribution to creating trust in the use of data, shaping it in a way that is oriented towards the common good and promoting research and innovation through legal and organisational standards – this should be the goal that needs to be achieved now,’ concludes Council member Helga Nowotny.