> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://template.ishare.eu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://template.ishare.eu/business-and-organisational-building-blocks/legal-building-blocks/contractual-framework/guiding-questions.md).

# Guiding questions

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**Purpose:** Standardize essential contractual terms to ensure clarity and fairness across all participants.
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1. **Core Structure of Agreements**

* *What standard contractual elements should every participant agreement include (e.g. roles, rights, obligations, liability)?*
* *Should there be a universal participation agreement or differentiated agreements depending on participant role (e.g. provider, consumer, intermediary)?*

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**Purpose:** Ensure that contractual arrangements reinforce overarching governance principles and adapt to evolving governance decisions.
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2. **Alignment with Governance**

* *How can the contractual framework reflect and reinforce the governance principles (e.g., fairness, interoperability, accountability)?*
* *Should governance decisions automatically amend contractual terms, or require explicit participant consent?*

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**Purpose:** Design contractual entry and exit processes that safeguard trust, compliance, and continuity.
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3. **Onboarding and Offboarding**

* *What contractual processes should regulate entry into the data space (e.g., signature of framework contract, compliance verification)?*
* *How should termination or exit of participants be managed contractually, including data handling and ongoing obligations?*

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**Purpose:** Balance the need for uniformity with customizable modules to address sector-specific requirements.
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4. **Flexibility vs. Standardisation**

* *To what extent should the contractual framework allow customization by participants versus enforcing strict uniformity?*
* *Should industry-specific annexes or modules be foreseen (e.g., CO₂ reporting standards for real estate, technical protocols for energy data)?*

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**Purpose:** Provide clear mechanisms for conflict resolution to maintain trust and minimize disruption.
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5. **Dispute Prevention and Resolution**

* *How should contracts define mechanisms for conflict resolution (e.g., escalation procedures, mediation, arbitration)?*
* *Should dispute-handling be centralized via a governance authority or decentralized among participants?*

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**Purpose:** Define how contractual compliance will be monitored, enforced, and sanctioned in case of breaches.
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6. **Compliance and Enforcement**

* *How should contractual obligations be monitored and enforced (e.g., audits, sanctions, suspension)?*
* *What should be the consequences of non-compliance with contractual terms, especially in relation to data misuse or sustainability targets?*