Deployment & Use Cases
The iSHARE Trust Framework allows flexibility in how the Participant Registry is implemented and operated across data spaces. Depending on governance, scale, and technical preferences, different deployment models can be adopted.
1. Centralised model
In a pilot or earlier phase, single Participant Registry cab be responsible for managing all participants within a data space.
One common registry acts as the primary source of trust assurance
Simplifies governance and onboarding processes
Easier to manage consistency and compliance
This model is typically suitable for:
Organisations piloting trusted data exchange in sectors with tightly governed or sensitive data.
Highly secure environments with a single governance authority
2. Federated model
In a federated model, multiple Participant Registries coexist, each responsible for a subset of participants or domains.
Each registry operates under its own governance context
Participant information can be shared across registries
Claims may be maintained across registries when allowed
This model supports:
collaboration between multiple data spaces
domain-specific governance structures
3. Distributed / decentralised model
The iSHARE Trust Framework supports a distributed approach, where Participant Registries operate as nodes within a broader network.
No single central authority controls all participant data
Registries contribute to a shared trust infrastructure
Interoperability is enabled through common standards and governance
This model aligns with:
cross-data space interoperability
scalability across sectors and geographies
Considerations
When choosing a deployment model, data spaces typically consider:
governance structure and responsibilities
level of trust required between domains
scalability and performance needs
interoperability requirements
Regardless of the model, all Participant Registries must operate in accordance with the iSHARE Trust Framework to ensure consistent trust and verification.
Use Cases (See more here)
This section illustrates how the Participant Registry is applied in practice, focusing on its role in enabling trust, verification, and discoverability.
DVU focuses on enabling trusted data sharing to support the sustainability and energy optimisation of utility buildings and non-residential buildings, involving stakeholders such as building owners, service providers, technology providers, and public authorities.
Role of the Participant Registry:
Ensures that organisations participating in the DVU data space are validated and onboarded according to governance and sustainability-related criteria
Maintains participant information and claims, such as roles (e.g. building owner, energy service provider) and relevant capabilities
Enables participants to discover and verify trusted counterparts before exchanging building, energy, or performance data
Value:
Supports secure and trusted collaboration across stakeholders involved in building sustainability
Reduces onboarding complexity for new participants in the ecosystem
Enables scalable data sharing to support energy optimisation, monitoring, and reporting use cases
2. DMI (Dutch Metropolitan Innovations)
DMI focuses on enabling data-driven collaboration within metropolitan environments, involving public authorities, infrastructure operators, and private organisations working on mobility, infrastructure, and urban development.
Role of the Participant Registry:
Ensures that organisations participating in the DMI data space are properly onboarded and validated according to governance rules
Maintains participant information and claims, including roles (e.g. public authority, service provider) and capabilities
Enables participants to discover and verify trusted partners before exchanging data or services
Value:
Supports trusted collaboration across public and private stakeholders in urban environments
Reduces friction in onboarding new participants into the ecosystem
Enables scalable and interoperable data sharing for mobility and infrastructure use cases
3. BDI (Basic Data Infrastructure)
The Basic Data Infrastructure (BDI) is a Dutch initiative designed as a federative, “soft” infrastructure, a set of agreements that enables secure, trusted, and automated data sharing across the logistics and supply chain sector.
It connects a wide range of stakeholders, including shippers, logistics service providers, ports, and authorities, without requiring a central platform.
Role of the Participant Registry:
Supports the federative model by enabling trusted identification and verification of participants across organisational boundaries
Maintains claims related to roles, participation, and compliance within the logistics ecosystem
Enables participants to discover and validate trusted partners before initiating data exchange
Supports interoperability across domains by allowing claims to be recognised beyond a single registry
Value:
Enables trust without centralisation, aligning with the federative nature of BDI
Reduces the need for bilateral agreements between supply chain partners
Supports scalable and automated data sharing across complex logistics networks
Facilitates interoperability between different systems and data spaces
4. SAGE/ GDDS (Data Space for a Sustainable Green Europe)
SAGE focuses on enabling trusted data sharing to support sustainability goals across Europe, involving a wide range of participants such as public authorities, private organisations, and service providers.
Role of the Participant Registry:
Ensures that participants are onboarded according to governance rules aligned with sustainability objectives
Maintains claims related to roles, compliance, and potentially sustainability-related attributes
Enables participants to verify trusted counterparts across organisational and national boundaries
Value:
Supports trustworthy collaboration in sustainability-driven ecosystems
Enables controlled and transparent participation aligned with policy and regulatory requirements
Facilitates interoperability between diverse stakeholders contributing to green initiatives
5. WEBUILD (Wallet Ecosystem for Business and payments Use cases on Identification, Legal representation and Data sharing)
In ecosystems using Verifiable Credentials:
Role of the Participant Registry:
Issues Participant Credentials as Verifiable Credentials
Acts as a trusted issuer within the ecosystem
Enables verification of credentials across data spaces
Value:
Supports portability of trust across different environments
Reduces reliance on registry lookups alone
Enables participants to prove attributes independently
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