Roadmap Component 6: Support, maintenance and scale-up (vertically and horizontally)

The technical and operational maintenance focuses on ensuring the data system runs reliably and securely over time. For this, regularly update dependencies, libraries and tools (Patch Management). Secondly, make data pipeline health checks and make sure the latest version is released. Set up a monthly maintenance schedule (downtimes, updates), including a dependency list and an upgrade calendar It is important to monitor data quality continuously using tools such as Great expectations or Soda, and to schedule regular backups. This should be included in a disaster recovery plan. Maintenance plans should also include system audit logs to track user activities and ensure transparency.

Support refers to the operational processes and resources put in place to help users and ensure the smooth running of the data system. This includes both end-user support and system-level monitoring. A responsive helpdesk and ticketing system should be established to allow users to report issues and request assistance. Comprehensive documentation is also crucial.  This should include user guides, administrator manuals, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and step-by-step troubleshooting materials.

At its core, data sovereignty ensures that individuals, communities, and nations retain control over their data. This control is critical for protecting privacy, enabling digital self-determination, strengthening cybersecurity, and fostering local economic development. Without data sovereignty, sensitive data may be exploited. To advocate effectively, it is important to communicate the issue in a compelling way. Use phrases like “your data, your rules” or framing the data sovereignty as a natural extension or digital independence of a community. Advocating for data sovereignty at a municipal level means encouraging cities to develop clear data governance charters that establish public control over urban data infrastructure. Local data should be stored on public servers or trusted platforms, with policies that limit outsourcing to external tech vendors. Citizens must be engaged through public consultations, digital literacy initiatives, and participatory tools such as citizen data councils. Community-led pilot projects can demonstrate the value of community ownership over data.

Working collaboratively with communes fosters a culture of learning and innovation. By establishing networks for regular exchange through workshops, joint pilot projects, and shared digital platforms, municipalities can avoid duplicating efforts, reduce implementation risks, and accelerate the deployment of effective data-driven solutions. This collective approach empowers even smaller communes with limited resources to benefit from the experiences of early adopters and scale proven strategies. Sharing best-practices not only enhances technical knowledge but also the institutional capacity. From setting up interoperable data infrastructures and ensuring data governance to navigating regulatory challenges and engaging local stakeholders, communes face many common hurdles. Documenting and disseminating practical insights on what works, what doesn’t, and why can significantly enhance the impact of development efforts.

Ultimately, fostering an ecosystem of trust, openness, and mutual support among municipalities is key. Through collaboration, communes can better harness the potential of data to drive sustainable growth, resilience, and public value across regions.

Networking among municipalities, regional bodies, academic institutions, and private sector stakeholders creates a foundation of knowledge exchange, joint problem-solving, and coordinated action. These connections allow for the alignment of standards, the development of interoperable solutions, and the polling of technical and human resources. Promoting Open Data within this networked environment accelerates innovation by making valuable datasets available for reuse across sectors. Developers, researchers, and civic tech communities can build applications, perform analyses, and uncover insights that benefit public services and community development. At the same time, municipalities gain feedback and ideas from a broader audience, increasing the relevance and impact of their data strategies.

Scalability is a critical success factor for data-driven development, ensuring that innovations piloted at a local level can be extended efficiently across regions, institutions and sectors. A scalable approach maximises impact, reduces long-term costs, and supports systematic transformation rather than isolated progress.

To achieve scalability, solutions must be designed with flexibility and interoperability in mind. Modular architectures, standardized data formats, and API-based integrations allow systems to evolve and adapt as needs grow or change. Moreover, leveraging cloud infrastructure and open-source technologies can reduce barriers to entry, particularly for smaller municipalities or organisations with limited resources.

Scalable data-driven development is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It must balance standardization with local adaptability, ensuring relevance to the unique challenges and opportunities of each community. Pilots should therefore be designed with replication in mind, incorporating feedback loops and evaluation mechanisms to refine the solution before wider rollout.
 

• Workshops series to scale-up with other municipalities (Leiedal + others)

Sources