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Data management as a joint value proposition—A design theory for horizontal data sharing communities

Author

Listed:
  • Hippolyte Lefebvre

    (University of Lausanne)

  • Pavel Krasikov

    (University of Lausanne)

  • Christine Legner

    (University of Lausanne)

  • Gabin Flourac

    (University of Lausanne)

Abstract

In the data economy, organizations are increasingly engaging in data ecosystems, managing and sharing data as valuable assets to address business and societal challenges. Whereas organizations have traditionally exchanged data vertically along the value chain, we observe a growing trend where they share complementary data assets with others, even at times with their competitors. Despite the rising significance of data ecosystems, research on this emerging form of horizontal data sharing is still scarce. Building on the theory of communities of practice, we study a pioneer data sharing community involving over 40 multinational companies that developed an innovative approach to pool data management efforts. We derive a design theory for horizontal data sharing, structured around eight design principles that align with key dimensions grounded in theory: domain of interest, shared practice, and community. By offering prescriptive design knowledge, our findings make an important contribution to the emerging literature on cross-company data sharing. Our research also provides practitioners with actionable insights on how to establish and operate data sharing communities effectively.

Suggested Citation

  • Hippolyte Lefebvre & Pavel Krasikov & Christine Legner & Gabin Flourac, 2025. "Data management as a joint value proposition—A design theory for horizontal data sharing communities," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 35(1), pages 1-21, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:elmark:v:35:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s12525-025-00755-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s12525-025-00755-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Data sharing; Community of practice; Data ecosystem; Data management; Data quality; Design principles;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M15 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - IT Management
    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality

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