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The study focuses on influential factors of collaboration on government data security by the Chinese government.

The article explores the case of e-government in the Chinese centralized unitary state system context, using a structured–pragmatic–situational (SPS) approach and the boundary theory as an analytical lens.

The findings indicate that e-government operates in highly interconnected environments where the safe flow of government data requires collaborative and cross-boundary strategies. Any organization is a potential “weakest link”. In addition, collaboration is fragmented by ambiguous accountability and organizational inertia across government departments, resources differences and limited visibility and measurability of security efforts across government levels and conflicts and uncertainties in principal–agent relationships. The solutions for those obstacles are also discussed from the multi-function, multi-level and multi-actor dimensions, respectively. A multi-dimensional overarching security model for the flow of government data is proposed.

The study advances the technology-oriented micro-analysis of previous studies on government data security to cross-organizational revealing at the macrolevel by connecting streams of research in information systems and public administration. These findings will contribute to making the safe flow of government data more resilient in the transformation of e-government.

The present paper constructed a new framework for government data governance based on the concept of a data middle platform to elicit the detailed requirements and functionalities of a government data governance framework.

Following a three-cycle activity, the design science research (DSR) paradigm was used to develop design propositions. The design propositions are obtained based on a systematic literature review of government data governance and data governance frameworks. Cases and experts further assessed the effectiveness of the implementation of the artifacts.

The study developed an effective framework for government data governance that supported the digital service needs of the government. The results demonstrated the advantages of the framework in adapting to organizational operations and data, realized the value of data assets, improved data auditing and oversight and facilitated communication. From the collection of data to the output of government services, the framework adapted to the new characteristics of digital government.

Knowledge of the “data middle platforms” generated in this study provides new knowledge to the design of government data governance frameworks and helps translate design propositions into concrete capabilities. By reviewing earlier literature, the article identified the core needs and challenges of government data governance to help practitioners approach government data governance in a structured manner.