A practical method for zeroing in on where value is created by digital products and services; it depends a lot on the Value Chain (how products eventually get to the End Customer). (Updated)
Asking for the investment? Here's an outline, with examples, for a business case that includes Cost to Build (one-time) and Cost to Run (ongoing), as well as the Benefits (revenue).
Who should take the leadership and ownership role for defining your "ecosystem of data"? This simple story illustrates the challenge for complex value chains.
To understand who should take a leadership role in defining and building an ecosystem of data for your products, understand the roles in the Value Chain.