Research by Dr Jae-Hwan Park and Dr Jeeyeon Choi has been published in United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Their report provides a critical assessment of data-sharing systems development across the Asia-Pacific region. It thoroughly examines the policy implications of adopting European data governance approaches, focusing on the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and investigates their potential adaptation to suit the Asia-Pacific landscape.

Key Insights from the Report

• Lack of Cohesive Framework: The report identifies the absence of a unified framework for cross-border data sharing in Asia-Pacific, posing significant challenges to digital transformation and technological advancement in the region.
• Relevance of European Models: It explores the relevance of GDPR and other European data governance models, offering a comparative analysis of how such frameworks could influence the Asia-Pacific’s approach to data policy.
• Policy Recommendations: The report proposes actionable strategies to create a secure, efficient, and inclusive data-sharing environment. These recommendations aim to accelerate economic growth and innovation while maintaining strict data privacy and protection standards.

Impact and Policy Implications

Dr Park’s research is a ground-breaking contribution, informing policymakers and industry leaders about the potential benefits and challenges of regional data governance. His work underscores the importance of balancing innovation with robust data privacy measures, a message that resonates strongly in today’s data-driven world.