New blueprint helps organisations share data reliably

A data space is a secure, decentralised digital environment where organisations share data based on agreed rules and standards, without losing control over their own data. This creates a trustworthy, well‑governed form of collaboration. It is particularly relevant for, for example, hospitals sharing patient data for research, logistics companies seeking greater supply‑chain transparency, or governments developing data‑driven policies.

Data spaces also play a role in the broader debate on digital sovereignty. They offer a federated approach in which data does not end up in a single large data warehouse - often operated by Big Tech - but remains under the control of the organisations involved.

Until recently, many organisations struggled with how to set up a data space: which technical standards to use, how to share data securely and create value, which legislation applies, and what contractual arrangements are required. The new blueprint addresses these concerns and establishes a shared foundation with clear guidance that all parties can build on.

A solid foundation for every data space

The final European blueprint for data spaces forms the basis for every data space, from the initial concept to a fully operational environment compliant with EU legislation, protocols and standards. It brings together business, organisational and technical building blocks, offering organisations a clear compass indicating how sovereign data sharing should look like.

In practice, this gives organisations a common language, greater clarity and a consistent approach to data‑space development. With the blueprint and toolbox, organisations even have the opportunity to set up a data space themselves.

The Toolbox: practical solutions ready to use

Alongside the blueprint, DSSC provides an updated toolbox: a curated set of services and tools from the market (such as connectors, templates and canvases) that comply with the blueprint’s guidelines. These solutions are immediately usable by organisations starting their data‑sharing journey, saving them from searching for technical components that comply with EU standards.

European Data Spaces Support Centre

The DSSC blueprint and toolbox have been developed within the Data Spaces Support Centre: the European initiative that supports data‑space projects with a standardised approach, practical guidance and best practices. The project is driven by a consortium of twelve core partners, including TNO, IDSA, BDVA, VTT and Fraunhofer, supported by a large network of European organisations such as the Dutch Centre of Excellence for Data Sharing & Cloud (CoE‑DSC).

Within the DSSC project, TNO led the development of the blueprint and toolbox. CoE‑DSC participates as an associate partner, representing the Dutch data‑sharing and cloud ecosystem in international DSSC developments. It also brings European insights back to the Netherlands and translates them where necessary to the local context.