From use case to data space, a bottom-up data space design framework leveraging Data Products

Abstract

Data spaces are emerging as a pivotal mechanism for trusted data sharing within the EU, yet comprehensive tools for their design remain necessary for practical implementation. This paper proposes such a tool, by introducing a bottom-up data space design framework to identify data space capabilities necessary to fulfil specific use cases. The framework uses an intake canvas, inspired by the Open Data Product Specification, to define functional requirements of use cases, and a capability mapping process for data space design. The framework was applied with sixteen data space use cases from nine EU countries and provided valuable insights into data space concepts for stakeholders. However, this bottom-up approach also has limitations, as it might fail to identify certain capabilities essential for a minimum viable data space. Therefore, a combined top-down and bottom-up approach is recommended for comprehensive data space design. While this framework was developed for the deployEMDS project, the deployment action for the common European mobility data space, it is domain-agnostic, making it a valuable asset for diverse applications in data space design.