Abstract
This article focuses on government collaboration in sovereign data spaces. As data sovereignty becomes increasingly crucial in a data-driven era, the need for controlled data-sharing environments, exemplified by initiatives such as Gaia-X, gains prominence. The article explores research-practice gaps, drawing on a focus group with key pioneers in the development of public-sector data spaces in Germany, who assessed the core focus areas of digital government research in this field. Findings highlight the roles of organisational capabilities, innovation, and participation, underpinned by trust and transparency, as well as the importance of standardisation and governance in fostering sovereign data spaces. The article concludes by emphasising actionable recommendations for enhancing data collaboration while addressing legal and institutional barriers. In doing so, the article contributes to the understanding of data sovereignty and its implications for public bureaucracies, ultimately aiming to reflect the digital government literature from a practical implementation perspective.