This discussion paper examines how data spaces should be designed so that companies, especially SMEs, actively participate. It shows that success goes far beyond technical infrastructure: the interplay of economic incentives, legal frameworks and interoperable standards is crucial.
The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of data spaces, their objectives, basic technical principles, key players and governance elements. It also explains the regulatory environment with the Data Governance Act, Data Act and GDPR, which creates trust, regulates data access and sets limits at the same time. Building on this, the study analyses key economic mechanisms, including the characteristics of data as an economic good, transaction costs, network effects, information asymmetries and incentive structures. Supplemented by findings from an expert dialogue, practical challenges, design approaches and strategic drivers are identified, from which the success factors for scalable data spaces are derived.
On this basis, the discussion paper identifies six key success factors for scaling data spaces:
- Design usage fees so that cost-sensitive user groups, such as SMEs, bear lower costs and are incentivised to participate.
- Ensure that data exchange within the data space is at least as efficient and cost-effective as conventional interface solutions.
- Standardise and establish standard contracts and clauses within data spaces.
- Ensure trustworthy and controllable data exchange through encryption, access controls and monitoring.
- Ensure data quality and transparency across industries and data spaces.
- Design data spaces to effectively support compliance with regulatory requirements (Data Act).
