Data Spaces’ synergies

This paper aims to shed light on the significance of synergies throughout the various stages of data space development and emphasizes the importance of considering data spaces as part of a broader development trajectory of the European data market. Its purpose is to reflect on the importance of synergy as part of the development of data facilities and to promote a discussion on the topic. The prevailing anticipation is the emergence of multiple data spaces in various domains or business ecosystems, rather than their consolidation into a singular entity. Synergy plays a pivotal role in the vision and development of European data spaces and data markets. It represents the interaction and cooperation among data spaces, resulting in a collective impact greater than the sum of individual parts. To initiate a dialogue and prompt data space developers to consider synergies, this paper presents position statements. Furthermore, it introduces tentative conceptual frameworks to understand data space synergies and start exploring the role of synergy in different stages of data space development. The paper delves deeper into the value of synergies from the perspectives of users, human and society at large. It emphasizes the significance of adopting a systemic and evolutionary view to advance synergistic thinking and highlights the operational data spaces ecosystem as a crucial aspect in guiding development.