DATA GOVERNANCE AND THE TWIN TRANSITION A qualitative analysis on the perception of the Data Governance Act by public actors in Italy

Abstract

Harnessing the power of data is instrumental in developing innovative solutions to imminent environmental challenges. The European Union is making an unprecedented effort in advancing the digital and green - twin - transitions. New data governance regulatory frameworks, designed to maximise data’s full cross-sectoral potential, constitute the key puzzle piece of the EU’s digital agenda. This study has found there is a research gap when exploring the role of data within the green and digital nexus. While previous literature on European policy implementation has focused primarily on EU directives, this research contributes to the emerging focus on regulations. This thesis investigates the perceptions and responses of public actors towards the implementation of the Data Governance Act (DGA) Regulation within the wider context of the EU’s twin transition. Through a qualitative single-case study on Italy, the findings indicate that the DGA is positively received by the main public actors involved in data governance policy in Italy. Despite significant challenges, this thesis concludes that existing strategic national-level initiatives on data governance align well with the DGA, positioning the country for successful implementation.