Everything You Need to Know About Data Spaces: Questions & Answers

AI Open Space

Everything You Need to Know About Data Spaces: Questions & Answers

1. What is a Data Space?

A Data Space is a secure digital environment where companies, public bodies, universities and research centres can share data in a trusted way.

Each participant decides what to share, with whom, and under what conditions, always keeping full control over their data.

 

2. Why do they matter?

Data have become the new engine of the economy, but they are often fragmented, locked in silos or costly to access.

Data Spaces solve this by unlocking the value of data without losing sovereignty or security.

 

3. Where did the idea come from?

The concept originated in Europe through the International Data Spaces Association (IDSA).
Its mission is to set international standards to ensure secure, interoperable and ethical data sharing—as safe and reliable as an online banking transaction.

 

4. How does it work?

Each organisation connects its systems to the Data Space and:

  • Chooses what information to share
  • Sets the access conditions
  • Can change or withdraw permissions at any time

This creates a fair, collaborative ecosystem where all participants benefit.

 

5. What technologies make it possible?

Data Spaces use advanced technologies such as:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially Generative AI, to process and analyse large datasets
  • Blockchain for traceability and transparency
  • Federated learning to train AI models without centralising data
  • Encryption and security protocols to protect privacy

 

6. What are the benefits?
  • Access to valuable information that was previously hard or expensive to get
  • Lower costs and faster development through collaboration
  • Better decisions powered by AI trained on quality data
  • New business opportunities in emerging markets

 

7. Where are they already used?
  • Agriculture: Optimising crops with soil and climate data
  • Healthcare: Sharing anonymised medical data for research
  • Mobility: Managing real-time traffic data
  • Environment: Monitoring natural resources and supporting sustainable policies
  • Industry: Improving production processes and supply chains

 

8. How is it different from a database?

A traditional database belongs to one organisation. A Data Space is collaborative: it connects multiple data sources under common rules, while each participant keeps control of their own data.

 

9. What’s happening in Spain and Europe?

In Spain, Data Spaces are still at an early stage, but the country has already taken firm steps to build its own ecosystem. One of the most significant milestones has been the creation of the Spanish IDSA Hub in Bilbao, coordinated by the Innovalia Group. This hub connects Spanish industry with the international standards set by the International Data Spaces Association (IDSA).

Another major step has been the recent approval of the first UNE 0087 specification — a standard that defines how Data Spaces should be structured, establishing a common framework for their design, operation, and the secure exchange of information between public and private entities.

At an institutional level, the Government is driving forward dedicated initiatives such as the Plan for the Promotion of Sectoral Data Spaces and the Data Spaces Kit. These programmes are designed to fund pilot projects and support the integration of companies and public administrations into this new model. The aim is to lay the foundations for collaborative Data Spaces to emerge in strategic sectors such as healthcare, mobility, agri-food, and the environment.

At the European level, there are already advanced projects serving as references. For example, PrepDSpace4Mobility is developing a common Data Space for mobility and transport across the European Union, while AgriDataSpace focuses on the agri-food sector, aiming to improve agricultural sustainability and efficiency through secure data sharing. Also noteworthy is the Data Spaces Support Centre (DSSC), which coordinates the creation of these ecosystems across Europe.

Within this framework, the Smart Data Innovation Space in Zamora stands out as a pioneering initiative in Spain, fully aligned with the European strategy. Its goal is to create a specialised laboratory that brings together technologies such as Generative AI, Blockchain and Federated Learning, turning Zamora into a technological hub of reference and a model for future Data Spaces in the country.

 

10. What’s next for Data Spaces?

Data Spaces are expected to become the backbone of Europe’s digital economy.
They will enable new services, create highly skilled jobs, and strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty. 

Far more than a technical concept, they represent a real opportunity to transform industries, drive innovation and ensure the safe, responsible use of information.