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)
  • 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 arrow-up-rightprovides a catalog of digital public goods that can be used as a reference.

Examples of Reference Architectures:

  • In Australia, their reference architecture documentarrow-up-right 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

Australian Whole of Government Architecture

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