Interconnection and data exchange between state bodies, institutions and businesses – Interoperability Platform
The interoperability platform enables the electronic exchange of data and documents between institutions/companies in a standardized, secure and unified manner. The exchange of data between two institutions takes place according to defined standards for security, protection, format and structure of the data.
The seamless flow of information through the interoperability platform reduces the time required to transfer information between institutions, facilitating the flow of electronic information needed to provide public services tailored to the needs of citizens and businesses. Such data exchange increases operational efficiency and increases satisfaction with the services offered.
The interoperability platform is based on the National Interoperability Framework which follows the European Interoperability Principles (EIF 2.0). The National Interoperability Framework covers all aspects of interoperability: legal, organizational, semantic and technical:
- Macedonian National Interoperability Framework - [Macedonian] [English]
- Macedonian Interoperability Module IOP-L (Legal Interoperability) - [Macedonian] [English]
- Macedonian Interoperability Module IOP-O (Organizational Interoperability) - [Macedonian] [English]
- Macedonian Interoperability Module IOP-S (Semantic Interoperability) - [Macedonian] [English]
- Macedonian Interoperability Module IOP-T (Technical Interoperability) - [Macedonian] [English]
- Macedonian Interoperability Module IOP-T (Technical Interoperability) Annex: MIM Protocol - [Macedonian] [English]
Institutions/companies that wish to join the interoperability platform and exchange data through this platform are required to provide their own communication client, which acts as a mediator between their back-end systems and the central servers of the interoperability platform.
Each institution/company that joins the national interoperability platform must provide appropriate hardware and software for the communication client with the following minimum characteristics: The minimum technical prerequisites for a communication client.
To join the interoperability platform, companies should take into account the legal provisions of the Law on Electronic Governance and Electronic Documents and its by-laws.
With the Law on Electronic Governance and Electronic Services, the national interoperability platform - Macedonian Information Highway (MIM) is established as a single environment for the exchange of documents and data electronically (a managed environment for standardized exchange of documents and data between authorities).
Article 9 of the Law also stipulates the obligation to use MIM, whereby: Authorities and other entities are obliged to use MIM, managed by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, when exchanging electronic documents and data. The MIM interoperability standards, on the basis of which the national interoperability platform is built, are prescribed by the Minister of Digital Transformation with a separate act.
In the Law on Electronic Documents, Electronic Identification and Trust Services, interoperability is defined as the ability of two or more systems or their components to exchange data and facilitate the shared use of data and knowledge.
Laws, by-laws, strategic documents and other documents of importance for the audit:
Laws:
- Law on Electronic Governance and Electronic Services
- Law on Electronic Documents, Electronic Identification and Trust Services
Bylaws:
- Rulebook on the minimum technical requirements and standards for the provision of electronic services
- Rulebook on data quality standards in individual databases of competent authorities and data sources
- Rulebook on the manner and procedure for entry in the list of legal entities that perform interoperability checks of information systems, the form and content of interoperability certificates, the procedure for issuing interoperability certificates and the procedures for checking the security and interoperability of information systems
- Rulebook on the standards for interoperability of the Macedonian information highway and the standards and rules for security of information systems for processing data in electronic form and the standards and rules for security of information systems used by the bodies for electronic communication
- Rulebook on the manner of using information systems for processing data in electronic form by the authorities through the MIM and the form, content and manner of using, recording, accessing and storing the service register
List of web services contains all web services/data exchange methods that institutions/companies can reuse for their own needs.
General benefits of data exchange through the interoperability platform:
- Basic infrastructure for further digitalization and development of e-services that the state offers to citizens and businesses;
- Electronic, standardized and secure exchange of documents and data between institutions/companies;
- Fast and efficient communication between institutions/companies, which increases efficiency in the implementation of procedures;
- Increased efficiency and effectiveness in the operation of state administration bodies and companies;
- Faster and easier access for companies to the data they request from institutions;
- Increased quality of government electronic services;
Next activities
Increasing the number of institutions and the number of web services/methods for data exchange is a continuous process and the main goal of the Ministry of Digital Transformation. The Ministry of Digital Transformation continuously provides support to institutions/companies for their active participation in data exchange through the interoperability platform, in order to increase its utilization.