Spaces for collaboration

A zone is more than a dataset or portal. It is a governed analytical environment where:

• Models run in auditable settings, not private domains
• Data remains under custodian control
• Outputs are reproducible and traceable
• Knowledge persists beyond a single project

Zones combine cloud technology with institutional governance to enable trusted collaboration

Types of zones

Different analytical needs require different governance patterns.

SEAF has six types of zones:

• Private zones – Single organisation; sensitive internal analysis
• Collaboration zones – Two or more organisations; joint analysis
• Product zones – Agreed outputs relied on by multiple parties; shared models, indicators, dashboards
• Shared zones – Common reference datasets, base models, methods
• Encrypted zones – Analysis without revealing underlying data
• Data space – enabled zones – Automated policy enforcement, federated discovery, interoperability with external environments.

Each zone type has defined rules for access, governance, and outputs, enabling collaboration without forcing uniform openness. Encryption can be applied where required.

Establishing a zone

Each zone is created through a structured process:

• Defined purpose
• Identified participants
• Agreed data sources and uses
• Specified security and access controls
• Agreed output approval processes

This process results in a formal zone agreement between the operator and participating organisations, giving the zone legal standing.

Zones may be time-limited or long-lived, but changes are always governed and documented.