COVID-19 has generated new data demands and increased cross-sector data collaboration. Yet, these data collaborations require careful planning and evaluation of risks and opportunities, especially when sharing sensitive data. Contracts for Data Collaboration (C4DC) is a joint initiative working to strengthen trust and transparency of data collaboratives. The C4DC partners have created an online library of Data Sharing Agreements (DSAs) which represents a selection of data applications and contexts. This report introduces the DSA library and demonstrates how the library can support the data community to strengthen future data collaborations by showcasing various DSA applications and key considerations.

This case study documents a data management plan (DMP) established by Development Gateway and the Government of Moldova to collect data on its development and aid programs. It is a useful example of an unsigned data sharing agreement, which can be a valuable alternative for certain data collaborations. The plan was produced through joint-collaborations and negotiations between the Government of Moldova, Development Gateway, and other data contributors. Informed by an interview with Development Gateway and the agreement text, this case study describes how the DMP was formed and highlights key elements of the agreement.

Contracts for Data Collaboration (C4DC) aims to shed light on the opportunities and challenges inherent to data sharing practices. This insight report draws extensively on interviews with partners and key stakeholders. It aims to break down the complexities and opacity of DSAs as much as possible and to raise awareness of their value and potential, using terms from project partners and development and humanitarian professionals.

This case study documents a successful data sharing agreement between a private company and an international organization dealing with global environmental data. Google and UN Environment signed a memoranda of understanding (MOU) in 2018 that formalized their collaboration around measures of surface water. Informed by interviews with the parties and the actual agreement text, this case study describes how the MOU was negotiated and highlights key elements from the MOU.