Data-driven enterprises (DDEs) depend on extensive data collection for their business models, yet face growing trust challenges. Current approaches remain reactive, treating digital trust (DT) as an afterthought through compliance initiatives or technical patches. Despite stringent regulations, organizations struggle with algorithmic opacity, complex multi-stakeholder data sharing, and cross-jurisdictional operations. This gap between legal compliance and genuine stakeholder trust leaves DDEs vulnerable to reputational risks and regulatory penalties while hindering collaborative innovation.

Through literature review, the study identified five core Digital Trust by Design (DTbD) principles: Reliability, Transparency, Security, Accountability, and Privacy. Through thematic analysis, 49 specific key controls were synthesized across these principles. A six-phase implementation model was developed by integrating the K-Model lifecycle approach with Value Sensitive Design and Quality Function Deployment methodologies. Three enabling technologies (Blockchain, Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), and Data Trusts as a Service (DTaaS)) were reviewed for operationalizing these principles.

The study delivers a practical DTbD Implementation Model enabling DT to be embedded from inception. First, the relationship between the principles is analyzed. As a result, reliability emerges as the foundational principle upon which other DT principles and mechanisms build. Then a three-dimensional DT model is proposed. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, A DTbD Implementation model guides organizations through six phases: context identification, stakeholder identification, stakeholder value/needs confirmation, translation of values to requirements, development of models addressing DTbD key controls, and implementation of the model into digital systems. The 49 synthesized key controls serve as both design guidelines and assessment tools, providing actionable guidance for practitioners. The model integrates established methodologies (K-Model, Value Sensitive Design, Quality Function Deployment) with three enabling technologies (Blockchain, ZTA and DTaaS) to operationalize DTbD principles. This transforms DTbD from compliance burden to strategic asset, enabling evolution from reactive compliance to proactive trust relationships.