Technology frameworks: the infrastructure and tools that ensure secure data storage, linkage, and access while supporting analytic insights
When agencies begin to share and integrate data, the work is commonly approached as a technical project. We encourage sites to view technical components as tools to support analytic insights, allowing partners to ultimately improve policies, practice, and outcomes for the people they serve. Put simply: the technical approach should not be the end goal, but a means to get there. In fact, the technical approach can and should change as information needs develop and technological advances shift best practices. For this reason, we encourage starting small, and initially investing in relationships and human capacity more than in large IT infrastructure. Technology should also be fit for purpose, so the tools and methods used may vary depending on the specific research question at hand. Other key variables in technical approaches for data sharing include partner capacity and the variety and scale of datasets to be linked. No matter where you are starting from, we recommend a strong emphasis on security and sustainability.
Technology is one of five components of quality for integrated data systems. For more on other components of quality, check out AISP’s Quality Framework for IDS.
Featured Resources
AISP offers a range of guidance and tools related to technology for data sharing. Check out the resources below to learn more.
Presentation Slides: AISP Network Meeting 2024: Applying emerging technologies
Tool: Narrowing Technology Solutions for Integrated Data System (IDS) Initiatives (with coauthors from Asemio)
Report: Technology for Civic Data Integration (with coauthors from NNIP & MetroLab)
Cheat Sheet: Dimensions of Data Security (pictured right)
Survey brief: COMING SOON
Developed using data from our February 2023 survey of 37 state and local data integration efforts, AISP’s Network Survey Series will cover each of the five components of the AISP Quality Framework. Check out our Governance and Legal briefs so far. Up next: the Technology brief will describe how sites approach data documentation, linkage, storage, and security, as well as emerging tools to enhance privacy.
Call and Webinar Recordings
Featured network call: September 9, 2024
This call on building and testing record linkage tools featured presentations from CDN and NORC on their homegrown open-source linkage tools, and a discussion with LINC about their process for testing these and other options for their current needs.
