Data Interoperability and Federated Learning: Connecting Information Securely

In today’s digital economy, data has become one of the most valuable resources. Yet for it to truly generate value, it is not enough to simply collect it: it must be shared and analysed securely, efficiently, and with respect for privacy. Two key technologies make this possible: data interoperability and federated learning.

Data interoperability ensures that different systems and organisations can read and understand information consistently, preserving its meaning and context. This allows data to flow seamlessly between hospitals, businesses, financial institutions, or mobility platforms without errors or loss of value. For instance, medical records can be transferred from one hospital to another, speeding up diagnoses and treatments; transport apps can integrate buses, trains, and bicycles to provide complete route planning; and financial services can securely exchange information to streamline internal processes.

Federated learning complements this by enabling artificial intelligence models to be trained without centralising sensitive data. Instead of moving the information, the model is trained locally at each data source, after which the results are combined. This means that a model capable of detecting diseases can learn from patient records across multiple hospitals without those records ever leaving their original location—thus protecting privacy and ensuring compliance with regulations.

When combined, these two technologies create a highly powerful data ecosystem. Interoperability guarantees that information can be connected and understood across different actors, while federated learning allows all available knowledge to be harnessed without compromising security or privacy. The benefits are tangible for businesses, governments, and citizens alike: companies can innovate and optimise processes through secure data sharing; public administrations can deliver more efficient and personalised services; and citizens enjoy faster, more reliable, and better-tailored experiences.

Smart Data Spaces, such as the one being developed in Zamora, are the perfect example of how these technologies work together. By combining interoperability and federated learning with other innovations, they enable data to be transformed into useful knowledge, driving innovation, competitiveness, and the responsible, secure growth of the digital economy. In this way, data ceases to be an isolated resource and becomes a driver of progress for businesses, institutions, and society at large—building a more connected and trustworthy digital ecosystem for all.