Developing an interoperability model between government departments : a technical focus

Abstract

Information Systems Interoperability is a vital consideration that is contributing to the knowledge economy of current governments around the world. It offers diversification of public services and puts organisations on the forefront. The Government of Malta is no exception to this principle, and therefore needs to adopt the required ongoing changes to have a seamless interoperating environment. Assisting in achieving a seamless level of interoperability are measurement models, which are developed with the purpose of classifying information systems within the levels such models provide. This research aims to analyse existing measurement models and contribute a customised interoperability model for the Government of Malta. Subsequently, information systems are classified by the proposed model to establish their current levels of interoperability, and deduce how far along they are from reaching a seamless state. This research also contributes a costing framework intended to give a baseline investment requirement to obtain the governments’ desired level of interoperability – influenced by the requirements of its’ digital agenda commitment in this context such as the one stop shop, the data only once principle, open government, and open data amongst others. Results of this study demonstrate that within the Maltese Government context, factors such as the concept of silos, that contribute towards disconnected systems, are hindering departments from interoperating seamlessly. With the use of the proposed model, having increased levels of technical interoperability, and the inclusion of further dimensions, these issues may be considered as solved.