Description: A data space is a secure and collaborative digital environment that enables the exchange, access, and reuse of data among different organizations, sectors, or countries under clearly defined and controlled conditions. Unlike centralized databases, a data space respects data sovereignty—each participant retains control over their information, sharing it only when desired and for specific, agreed-upon purposes. This concept lies at the core of the data-driven economy, fostering innovation, interoperability, and evidence-based decision-making.
History: The concept of data spaces emerged in Europe as part of a broader strategy to build a more ethical, sovereign, and collaborative digital economy. In 2020, the European Union launched the European Data Strategy, which called for the creation of common data spaces in key sectors such as health, energy, mobility, agriculture, and industry. Since then, initiatives like GAIA-X have promoted open, transparent, and secure data infrastructure. In Spain, the España Digital 2025 plan has adopted this approach to accelerate the country’s digital transformation.
Uses:
- Healthcare: Enables secure sharing of medical records and biomedical data among hospitals and research centers to improve diagnoses and treatments, while protecting patient privacy.
- Industry: Supports supply chain coordination by allowing real-time exchange of logistics data, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
- Energy: Facilitates access to data on energy consumption, production, and demand among providers and governments to advance the clean energy transition.
- Public administration: Allows different government agencies (national, regional, local) to share data securely to deliver more personalized and effective public services.
Examples:
GAIA-X: A European initiative that promotes interconnected data spaces with common standards to ensure digital sovereignty.
- Catena-X: A data space focused on the automotive industry, enabling manufacturers and suppliers to share data and improve sustainability and efficiency.
- HealthData@EU: A European project aiming to link health data spaces across the EU to boost medical research and innovation.
- España Nación Digital: A Spanish government project that promotes the creation of data spaces in strategic sectors such as tourism, agri-food, and transport.
