Interoperability

Interoperability is the ability of diverse systems, devices, applications, and organizations to exchange information and to use the information that has been exchanged. It enables seamless cooperation across boundaries and reduces the need for custom integration for every use case.

Technical, semantic, and organizational dimensions cover the main aspects. Technically, interoperable systems can connect and transfer data. Semantically, they can interpret the data in a consistent way. Organizationally, they share governance, policies, and processes that support ongoing collaboration.

Interoperability is often described using levels: foundational interoperability ensures basic connectivity; structural interoperability defines data exchange structure; and semantic interoperability ensures shared meaning.

Standards and open interfaces are central to achieving interoperability. Examples include data formats like XML and JSON, communication protocols such as HTTP and MQTT, and APIs based on REST or SOAP. Domain-specific standards, such as in healthcare HL7 and FHIR or DICOM for imaging, guide the exchange of clinical or patient data.

Interoperability is pursued in many sectors: healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, finance, and government. It supports data sharing, system reuse, and coordinated workflows, leading to improved efficiency, safer decisions, and better user experiences.

Challenges include fragmentation of standards, aging legacy systems, data quality issues, security and privacy concerns, and the cost of governance. Achieving interoperability often requires alignment of policies, formal agreements, and ongoing governance, in addition to technical work.

Assessment and maturity models, interoperability testing, and conformance frameworks help measure progress. Successful interoperability projects balance technical feasibility with organizational readiness and data stewardship.