Europe launches €30 Million initiative for cross-sectorial pilots in Data Spaces for Smart Communities

Mobile phones, devices, and operating systems constantly collect data on various aspects such as energy, mobility, tourism, health, etc. The EU aims to gain better control over data and common rules.

But before establishing regulations, a series of new so-called data spaces will investigate and test how we can best and smoothly collect and exchange data in a secure and cost-effective manner. This should be done without compromising anyone, degrading service quality, or hindering the potential for innovation for European businesses and organizations.

In addition to specific data spaces for handling and sharing data within particular domains, a data space for smart communities will be established to facilitate data sharing through cross-sectorial pilots involving sectors like the energy system, transportation, and healthcare.

DTU (Technical University of Denmark) leads this action. Martin Brynskov, Lead and Coordinator, emphasizes the importance of well-governed and managed data spaces:

“Data is the new material of the millennium, but we are still learning to understand concretely how to use it as a foundation for building societies. If we are to reap the benefits, data spaces must be well governed and well managed. Like we do with other natural resources.”

Sharing through cross-sectorial data spaces is essential in everyday scenarios. For instance, when planning new roads, the integration of health data, traffic data, air pollution data, and other information can be utilized in the planning process.

Looking for 10-12 test cases

The cross-sectorial data space needs 10-12 cases to deploy and validate the blueprint that was developed in the previous preparatory action. By having the blueprint validated by the pilots, means that theory is being put into practice, giving valuable feedback for the further development of the blueprint.

On March 11, 2024, the first round of bids from companies and governments with relevant tasks involving different types of data will open. A total of three rounds of calls will open during 2024.

The European Data Space for Smart Communities has received €15 million for case testing (DS4SSCC–DEP is co-funded by the European Union Digital Europe Work Programme 2021-2022 under Grant Agreement No. 101123342), and this funding will be matched with local co-financing from the selected cases amounting in €2-3 million per pilot, in total 30m€.  

Elisabeth Beck Knudsen, Deputy Coordinator, Technical University of Denmark, says:

“Our mission is to create an open and interconnected data ecosystem that empowers individuals, organisations, and communities by facilitating secured data-driven solutions. Governance is central, so beyond technical advancements, we are dedicated to making a meaningful societal impact, addressing global challenges, improving decision-making, and enhancing quality of life for all European citizens. With the pilot projects, we are gaining invaluable expertise for the practical implementation of data spaces for cities and communities in Europe.”

An experts-driven mentoring and training program will be put in place to support the selected pilots in the onboarding, deployment, and operation of the data space in their specific pilots. The data space rests on the collaboration with the European networks and institutions behind Living-in.EU, which covers all EU local governments, the European Commission, and the EU Committee of the Regions, as well as the EU Data Spaces Support Centre.

The work will continue with close collaboration with the Data Space Stakeholder Forum consisting of 165 members from both the demand and supply sides, and in alignment with the Living-in.EU movement. Learn more www.ds4sscc.eu.