About European data space for smart communities

The European Data Space for Smart Communities (DS4SSCC-DEP) initiative is a pivotal deployment following the preparatory action for a Data Space for Sustainable and Smart Cities and Communities (DS4SSCC).

Emphasising sustainability aspects and diversity in communities, DS4SSCC developed a multi-stakeholder data governance scheme, created a blueprint for the European DS4SSCC, delivered priority datasets, and developed a roadmap towards a mature DS4SSCC.

DS4SSCC-DEP’s vision revolves around creating a well-governed federated territorial, place-based data space for smart communities available for developers and infrastructure providers, aligning with the prospects outlined in Europe’s Digital Decade objectives. This approach distinguishes itself from sectoral data spaces by encompassing diverse domains, and underpinning governance across all levels of society.

The key objectives of the project are:

This phase focuses on creating a large-scale data space controlled by public data holders, ensuring alignment with the Smart Middleware Platform and broader data space ecosystems. It also aims to offer middleware service solutions facilitating data sharing and management while refining the blueprint based on gained experience.

Objective 1

Establishing a Federated and innovative Data Space.

Through 10-12 cross-sectoral data pilots in various EU communities, this objective aims to validate and refine the data space blueprint. Using common high-value data sets, it seeks to create added value by combining data from various domains, contributing to the sustainability plan, and minimising infrastructure investment.

Objective 2

Pilots and Refinement of the Data Space Blueprint.

Objective 3

Engaging stakeholders, compliance with sector-specific legislation, establishing links with Horizon Europe missions, creating services available via trusted application catalogues, and enhancing ethical considerations and AI-enabled local solutions constitute the focus of this objective.

Fostering innovation and Ecosystem Alignment.

DS4SSCC-DEP, building upon established European networks, aims to significantly contribute to the sustainability goals of European citizens. It emphasises co-creation, standardisation, business models, strategies for data spaces, and envisions a federated platform.