To facilitate smooth rollout of Technology DNA we are establishing per-sector Technology Hubs as we build with design partners in different sectors, providing technical capacity and other industry specific benefits.
For each sector, ESRE and the founding partners create a sector technology hub. In general, hubs will provide technical support, ensure regulatory alignment, and aid in knowledge and innovation across the partnership. It operates at cost. Each organisation that joins decreases the cost for all partners.
However, the role of each hub will differ depending on specific sector requirements. For example, a Local Authority Technology Hub also acts for its member councils as their single technical partner to government.
We are still working out the exact shape of hubs and how they will operate. Ultimately, it will come down to the Partnership Boards of each Hub to shape its roles and functions. One thing we are certain of: Technology DNA means more businesses and organisations will be able to own their own software, rather than renting. Technology Hubs are designed to meet that market need.
Hub partners own their system: the code, the data, the instance, as well as self host if they wish. Of course, ownership continues if the partner leaves the partnership.
Partners pay a flat annual fee and fees for build work. The board agrees the fee against the running cost of their hub. Each new partner decreases the fee for all.
All partner systems use Technology DNA's shared dictionary, so a record means the same thing in every build. Partners can share data with each other with no integration work. Each partner decides what it shares.
Partners can compare live anonymised aggregate data across the partnership: costs, activity, outcomes. Partners can improve relative to each other and as a sector on the whole, eg evidence for regulators and funders.
The partner organisations guide their hub through a board established by the sector charter. The board sets the priorities, the standards, and the fee level. Founding partners hold permanent seats, set by charter. Members elect the other seats for fixed terms, in bands by organisation size.