Cybernetica's UXP sits at the heart of digital transformation projects, connecting independent organisations so they can exchange data securely. But adopting a technology like this is rarely just a technical decision. It reshapes the whole environment it operates in, and the practical implications go well beyond the specific problem it was brought in to solve.
In that regard, UXP is special, since it functions as a platform that enables data exchange between multiple independent stakeholders, the platform members. Members can optimise business processes and build integrated e-services on top of the platform. UXP's ability to integrate multiple members' services is best activated by knowledgeable members, a supportive environment and strong leadership. UXP's potential and impact are well illustrated by the so-called market-network effect, which combines the effects of networks and marketplaces (see NfX).
In that regard, UXP is special, since it functions as a platform that enables data exchange between multiple independent stakeholders, the platform members. The members can optimise business processes and build integrated e-services on top of the platform. UXP’s ability to integrate multiple members’ services is best activated by knowledgeable members, a supportive environment, and strong leadership. UXP’s potential and impact is well illustrated by the so-called market-network effect that combines the effects of networks and marketplaces.
The logic is simple. More services mean more integrations between different members' information systems. More value means more time, resources and finances saved through those integrations. The more organisations join the platform, the more services become available, and the more value is created in UXP.
But this raises an obvious question: whose responsibility is it to enable organisations to join the platform and provide services via it?
The Governing Authority
The key stakeholder in a typical UXP deployment project is the Governing Authority, the entity that supervises and administers local UXP deployment and operations. Its responsibilities include:
- coordinating the implementation of the technology
- establishing and administering membership rules
- issuing certificates to UXP members
- monitoring data exchange operations
- managing updates and technical maintenance
In our project for Ukraine, the State Agency for e-Governance of Ukraine takes on the role of the Governing Authority. In Tunisia, it is the Ministry of Finance's Informatics Centre, and in Benin, it is the Agency for IT Systems and Services (L'Agence des Services et Systèmes d'Information). All three are central IT institutions responsible for implementing and maintaining UXP.
However, the Governing Authority does not need to be a public sector entity. In the USA's TOGETHER for Personal Protective Equipment Readiness project, for example, the Center for Medical Interoperability takes on this role.
Thanks to its central position within a deployment, the Governing Authority is the main point of reference for the platform's users, the members. So its responsibility extends beyond the technical: from an organisational and management standpoint too, the Governing Authority bears the key responsibility for activating UXP's potential, in cooperation with the other stakeholders.
Other UXP stakeholders
While the Governing Authority is the active operator of the data exchange layer, it is the UXP members who use the infrastructure to optimise business processes or establish entirely new e-services and business models.
Other stakeholders are also involved. Timestamping and Certification Authorities are entities authorised by the Governing Authority to provide trust services to UXP members.
A Legislator also plays a role, since UXP needs to be embedded within the local legal context, particularly regarding data privacy regulations. An IT Partner may be involved too, as the Governing Authority might need to outsource specific technical work.
Cybernetica is included as a stakeholder, since we provide the technology and know-how behind UXP.
Finally, end-users are crucial, as they are often the ones who benefit directly from the optimisation or integration of UXP members' business processes and services, even though they tend to have little direct impact on the deployment itself.
Activating UXP potential while managing stakeholders
Getting a UXP deployment right is as much about managing people and organisations as it is about the technology itself. Particularly in the early stages, the Governing Authority takes the lead: bringing members and other stakeholders on board, and ensuring services are built for the platform to thrive.
Not every stakeholder needs the same kind of attention. UXP members, for instance, may not have as high a stake in the platform as Cybernetica or the Governing Authority, but their influence is very high. Their commitment to data exchange via UXP is what ultimately activates the technology's potential.
Cybernetica, in turn, needs to be a close partner throughout, given our experience and expertise in deploying UXP. Depending on the scope of the engagement, contracted technical partnerships matter just as much.
Getting this stakeholder management right from the outset is what determines whether a UXP-backed digital transformation succeeds or stalls.
We can help you with advisory services for your UXP-backed digital transformation.