This case study highlights a project we carried out with in BW to support their Digital Transformation Program by establishing a data governance framework.
Becoming a data-driven organization
in BW, the intercommunal association serving Brabant Wallon in areas such as waste management, water treatment, and economic development, has long played a key role in delivering essential services to citizens and communes. To continue fulfilling this mission in an increasingly digital environment, in BW launched an ambitious Digital Transformation Program.
One of its core objectives was to become a data-driven organization: making data more reliable, accessible, and actionable to support daily operations, improve efficiency, and strengthen decision-making. Achieving this vision required a solid foundation — a structured data governance framework.
Engaging the entire organization
To design this framework, we started with an inclusive and collaborative approach. More than 25 employees across 10 departments were interviewed, representing the wide range of activities and data realities within in BW. These conversations allowed us to understand current practices, challenges, and expectations.
The insights were consolidated into detailed interview reports and an inventory of existing data assets, providing a first map of the organization’s data landscape. In parallel, we developed a capability map oriented towards data.
We also organized four collaborative workshops, each dedicated to a key pillar of data governance:
- Data catalog – building a shared view of available data assets
- Data quality – ensuring accuracy, consistency, and reliability
- Data security & protection – safeguarding sensitive information
- Data organizational model – clarifying roles, responsibilities, and processes
This participative format helped demystify governance, foster engagement, and build a shared understanding of why data matters for in BW’s future.
Structuring governance for the long-term
Based on these inputs, we defined a data governance framework, supported by a set of tools to implement and enforce each policy. This framework establishes the vision, principles, and priorities for data governance at BW, providing clear guidance on how data should be managed and used across the organization.
Practical tools were also developed to make governance operational and sustainable. These included templates for documenting data assets, role descriptions to clarify responsibilities, and guiding materials to support teams in applying the governance framework.
Results and future outlook
This initiative has already delivered tangible benefits:
- Greater awareness and ownership of data across departments
- A structured and shared approach to managing data assets
- A stronger foundation for upcoming digital initiatives within the transformation program
By clarifying roles, standardizing practices, and creating a common language, in BW is now better equipped to leverage its data for operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and innovation.
Looking ahead, the framework paves the way for concrete use cases such as advanced reporting, cross-departmental dashboards, and data-driven services for communes and citizens.
An inspiring step forward
in BW’s journey illustrates how a public intercommunal organization can successfully embrace data governance as a cornerstone of digital transformation. Through collaboration, structure, and a clear vision, the organization has taken a decisive step towards becoming truly data-driven, ensuring that data serves as a strategic asset for the benefit of its teams, communes, and the wider Brabant Walloon community.
The true value of this initiative will emerge through its operationalization, a stage that requires significant operational resources and commitment to make the vision a reality.
Want to know more?
Reach out to Olivier to learn more about your journey to becoming data-driven.
Use the button below or via o.potmans@ngageconsulting.com.