Data Sharing Fundamentals: Definition and Characteristics

Abstract

The importance of data as a key resource is a universal theme dominating social and business life. In this regard, inter-organizational data sharing shines in a new light prompting businesses to leverage the potential of their own data. However, it is still unclear what data sharing actually entails, i.e., what it means, what its potentials are, and what barriers organizations must overcome. In short, it lacks conceptual clarity and a clear description of its characteristics. The conceptual ambiguity and the synonymous use with data exchange in the literature are particularly problematic, which prevents a targeted conceptualization and use. The paper starts precisely at this point as it proposes a unifying definition and characteristics of data sharing. We report on a systematic literature review characterizing data sharing and delineating it from data exchange.