The Data Trustee Model (DTM) is a promising approach to foster trustworthy data exchange. In practice, however, it is evident that a wide variety of DTM configurations exist, whose technical implementations are hardly comparable. This heterogeneity makes it difficult to draw conclusions from existing experiences for building the necessary infrastructure. To close this gap, a toolkit of technical components was developed that supplements different data trustee models with concrete technical perspectives. Through an empirical analysis, three central technical requirements were identified:

• Interoperability ensures a seamless data exchange.
• Data minimization protects sensitive data from misuse.
• Data security ensures a secure and trustworthy data flow.

For these requirements, specific categories were further elaborated, which map to the specific functionalities of the technical components. In the area of interoperability, the components can be divided into three groups: database systems, data transfer/interfaces, and metadata/data formats. The topic of data security is further subdivided into authentication, authorization, logging, data encryption, and certification. By systematically assigning the technical components to the existing DTM and identified requirements, a flexible yet practical architectural recommendation emerges. It allows organizations to map their individual requirements within the system model and to better estimate the necessary technical implementation from the outset.

The work was carried out on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space as part of the “Scientific support and networking of projects for the development and practical testing of data trust models in the fields of research and business.” It is refinanced by the European Recovery Fund “NextGenerationEU” under the Recovery and Resilience Facility.