Digital technology and its rapid development are driving the exponential growth of data worldwide. Data is recognized as a valuable economic resource, necessary for innovation, growth and social progress in general. Data can be monetized internally (improving internal processes) and externally (creating data products and services and selling them to third parties), directly (selling raw and processed data to third parties), and indirectly (using data to enhance products or services).

At the global and European level, data economy is considered as one of the main strategic priorities. The European Union was among the most active regions in the world in regulating the data economy. It is important that Croatia follows the approach of setting an ecosystem of digital data production, distribution, and consumption as one of the key strategic priorities.

Accelerating responsible data exchange and usage can yield better outcomes, improve citizens' lives, and create additional economic value for businesses and the Government. In order for Croatia to seize the opportunity and enable the development of the data economy, AmCham proposes adopting a national data strategy and shifting the mindset about the use and management of data in public administration. The position paper also suggests considering financial incentives for data-based solutions research, facilitating innovative data use, encouraging the development of data literacy, and further developing interoperability, data infrastructure and data management models.

AmCham's position paper is available here.