European Data Space for Smart Communities

The European Data Space for Smart Communities (DS4SSCC-DEP) is an initiative stemming from the preparatory action for a Data Space for Sustainable and Smart Cities and Communities (DS4SSCC). DS4SSCC laid the groundwork for DS4SSCC-DEP, focusing on sustainability and community diversity. DS4SSCC developed a multi-stakeholder data governance scheme, a European blueprint, priority datasets, a roadmap, and implemented the data space across governance levels. DS4SSCC-DEP envisions a well-governed data space for developers and infrastructure providers, aligning with Europe's Digital Decade objectives. It recognizes data as a critical societal asset and aims to create a territorial, place-based data space for smart communities, distinguishing itself from sectorial data spaces. The project's key objectives are: · Establishing a Federated and Innovative Data Space: Creating a large-scale data space controlled by public data holders, aligning with the Smart Middleware Platform, and providing middleware service solutions for data sharing and management. Refinement based on experience is a priority. · Pilots and Refinement of the Data Space Blueprint: Conducting 10-12 cross-sector data pilots in EU communities to validate and refine the data space blueprint. Using common high-value datasets, the objective is to create added value by combining data from various domains and contributing to sustainability while minimizing infrastructure investment. · Fostering Innovation and Ecosystem Alignment: Engaging stakeholders, ensuring compliance with sector-specific legislation, linking with Horizon Europe missions, offering services via trusted application catalogues, and enhancing ethical considerations and AI-enabled local solutions. DS4SSCC-DEP aims to contribute significantly to European citizens' sustainability goals, emphasizing co-creation, standardization, business models, and envisioning a federated platform through established European networks.