Data solidarity

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Supporting a solidarity-based approach to data governance

At present, the risks and benefits of digital practices are not distributed fairly. Vast power asymmetries exist and are reinforced at both the regional and the global level. Data Solidarity is an approach to data governance which aims to increase collective control, oversight and ownership of data and resources alongside respect for individual autonomy. It seeks to achieve a more equitable sharing of benefits and risks emerging from digital practices.

The Governing Health Futures 2030 Commission recommended a solidarity-based approach to the collection and use of health data. Since May 2024, DTH-Lab and the Data Solidarity Team at the University of Vienna have championed the principles of data solidarity, highlighting health as a key sector for maximizing the public value of data while mitigating harms associated with health data use. This work is delivered under the supervision of Barbara Prainsack, Professor in the Department of Political Science and Director of the interdisciplinary research platform Governance of Digital Practices.

How can we effectively maximize the benefits of health datadigital practices while also reducing the risks to individuals and communities?

Which policy instruments can be used to promote public value in data use and other digital practices?

Main research questions

How can we effectively monitor and mitigate harms emerging from health data use?

Latest resources

Data Solidarity Glossary

To promote a better understanding of data solidarity and its relationship to other governance approaches we have developed a glossary of terms.

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White Paper Data Solidarity

The issues emerging from datafication and data use in the digital era cannot be addressed effectively with the tools of the paper age.

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Putting data solidarity into practice: a guide for public and private organizations, authorities and policymakers

The Data Solidarity Implementation Guide is a practical resource designed to help policymakers, businesses and civil society organizations to put fairness and public value at the heart of data use.

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