This week marks a significant milestone in the European Union’s journey toward seamless digital public services: interoperability assessments are now mandatory for authorities introducing or updating digital public services.
This policy, championed by the Interoperable Europe initiative, represents a transformative shift that will enhance data sharing, improve service delivery, and foster innovation.
At Foster Moore, we are thrilled to see this vision come to fruition—a vision we have long championed and helped shape through our leader’s contributions to interoperability initiatives, thought leadership and innovations.
Why Interoperability Matters
Interoperability—the ability of systems to work together, exchange data, and use it meaningfully—is the cornerstone of modern governance. It enables government agencies to share data efficiently across boundaries, ensuring public services are more responsive, integrated, and user-friendly.
At its core, interoperability facilitates the "once-only principle," minimizing redundant data collection and creating a smoother experience for citizens and businesses. In an era defined by complex challenges, such as climate change, economic globalization, and public health crises, interoperability equips governments with the agility and collaboration needed to respond effectively.
By mandating interoperability assessments, the EU is not only embracing digital transformation but also setting a precedent for the rest of the world to follow.
Foster Moore’s Legacy in Promoting Interoperability
Foster Moore has been at the forefront of advocating for interoperability in public registries for over a decade. Through our white paper, Enabling Digital Government: Interoperability and Data Exchange Between Registries, co-authored by industry leaders like Bill Clarke and John Murray, we highlighted the critical need for interoperability frameworks and offered practical pathways to achieve them. We emphasized that without interoperability, governments risk inefficiencies, data silos, and inflated costs—barriers that hinder progress and innovation.
A Vision for the Future
The EU’s mandate underscores the importance of interoperability not just as a technological capability but as a fundamental principle of governance. It paves the way for:
▶️ More information on Interoperable Europe's website
Our Role in Shaping the Dialogue
The EU’s decision reflects years of dialogue and collaboration between policymakers, technologists, and thought leaders—a dialogue Foster Moore actively participated in. Through our partnerships and contributions to global forums, such as the Corporate Registers Forum, the International Association of Commercial Administrators and the European Business Registry Association or sharing best practices and case studies that informed policy directions, our impact has been notable. By advocating for the alignment of legal, organizational, semantic, and technical interoperability, we have reinforced the need for a holistic approach, as detailed in our Registry Capability Maturity Model paper. A core component of any transformation undertaken by Foster Moore is the promotion of interoperability.
Introducing MetaReg™: The Next Chapter
Building on this legacy, MetaReg™ initiative is Foster Moore’s bold step forward in transforming registry interoperability. MetaReg™ is an innovative interoperability platform designed to connect registries across jurisdictions seamlessly. Its objective is to create a global ecosystem where data flows freely and securely, unlocking unprecedented possibilities for registry operators and public services.
MetaReg™ addresses key challenges identified in our research, such as the integration of legacy systems, adherence to international standards, and the need for robust data governance. With MetaReg™, governments can transcend traditional boundaries, enabling real-time data sharing that improves decision-making, compliance, and service delivery. The platform exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation, reducing complexity, and enhancing the user experience.
Join Us in Advancing Interoperability
As the digital transformation journey accelerates, Foster Moore is proud to be a partner in shaping the future of registry interoperability. Together, we can create a world where data is not just a resource but a catalyst for innovation and progress.
Let’s build a future where interoperability is the foundation of governance, empowering governments to deliver smarter, more efficient, and more inclusive public services. The journey has only just begun.