Reference architecture

Reference architecture is the blueprint used to put the pieces of the organizational & systems puzzle together. Digital teams use reference architecture to promote the reuse of common assets and identify capability gaps. It:

• Defines a common language for consistent communication within the organization

• Outlines all capabilities needed to achieve the best outcome

• Provides the ability of systems or software to exchange and make use of information

• Establishes standard systems, and a common way to exchange information

Example: Enterprise Architecture from Abu Dabhi, Finalist of GovStack WSIS Special Prize 2023

Government Ecosystem Reference Architecture (GERA)

Activities

• Develop the systems/software/platform catalog to identify reusable software components/Building Blocks that can support the digitization of services.

• Identify additional Building Blocks/ reusable software components that are critical in building a national stack that can facilitate the development of prioritized citizen-centric digital services.

• Define the approach to adding new/updated Building Blocks within the national stack, either through tendering, developing indigenously, or re-using existing Building Blocks. GovExchange provides a catalog of digital public goods that can be used as a reference.

Examples of Reference Architectures:

• In Australia, their reference architecture document provides digital teams the guidance they need to align current and emerging tech into a sound orchestration of solutions to enable digital government service design and delivery

Source: Australian Reference Architecture

Australian Whole of Government Architecture

• GovStack Architecture and non-functional requirements
• GovStack Ecosystem Reference Architecture and Business Guide for Public Digital Platforms, The Open Group Standard

Responsabilities

Who does what:

• Chief government architects - Coordinate the work around the reference architecture

• Solutions architects from government entities - Actively participate in the co-design of the document, the reference architecture working group, and the training program
• Service designers - Actively participate in co-design sessions, the reference architecture working groups, and the training program

Deliverables

• Government Enterprise Architecture

• Implementation guidelines

• e-learning courses for stakeholders (public servants and ICT service providers)