Introduction
What Are Data Spaces?
Data spaces are virtual environments where different organisations can share and exchange data securely and efficiently. In a data space, data providers, consumers, and other participants collaborate to create value from data while maintaining control over it. Data spaces are designed to be interoperable and flexible, allowing participants from different sectors and industries to connect and share data according to agreed-upon rules and standards.
Why Share Data?
Sharing data between organisations can lead to many benefits. Such as:
Improved collaboration: Access to shared data ensures all stakeholders work from the same information, making coordination smoother and reducing duplication.
Better decision-making: Real-time, reliable data enables organizations to respond quickly and base decisions on evidence rather than assumptions.
Innovation: Combining data from different sources generates new insights that can drive the development of products, services, and business models.
Sector specific impact of data sharing:
Healthcare: data sharing can improve patient care by ensuring that all providers have access to the most up-to-date information.
Logistics: data sharing can optimise supply chains, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. By sharing data, organisations can also unlock new insights and create innovations that would not be possible with siloed data.
Introduction to the iSHARE Trust Framework
The iSHARE Trust Framework is a set of agreements and standards designed to facilitate secure and trusted data sharing between organisations. It provides a common framework that ensures all participants in a data space can trust each other and the processes involved in exchanging data. The iSHARE Framework covers important aspects such as identity management, authentication, authorization, and data access, ensuring that data is only shared with the appropriate parties and under the right conditions.
Why Is iSHARE Relevant to Data Sharing?
In the digital age, the importance of secure and efficient data sharing is crucial. The iSHARE Trust Framework is particularly relevant because it addresses the main challenges of data sharing—trust, security, and interoperability. By using iSHARE, organisations can confidently share data knowing that all participants adhere to the same rules and standards. This not only reduces the risk of data breaches but also streamlines the process of setting up data-sharing agreements between different parties.
Current Applications of the iSHARE Trust Framework in Data Sharing
The iSHARE Trust Framework is being utilised in various industries to facilitate data sharing. For example, in logistics, it helps companies share data across supply chains, improving coordination and reducing inefficiencies. In smart cities, it enables the sharing of data between different city services and private companies, enhancing urban living. By providing a trusted environment for data sharing, iSHARE is helping organisations across different sectors unlock the full potential of their data.
For the Dutch version, visit the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54wux8OXMBI
iSHARE-Based Data Ecosystems
An iSHARE-based data ecosystem is a group of organisations that agree to share data with each other — safely, quickly, and with full control — using a shared set of rules called the iSHARE Trust Framework.
🚫 No Central Storage Instead of sending all data to one big database, each organisation keeps its own data. When another party needs access, they can request it directly — just like borrowing a book from a library, instead of copying the whole library.
✅ Full Control Each organisation decides:
Who gets access
What data they can see
When and how long they can use it
🌍 For Example
A transport company shares delivery updates with a port terminal
A farmer shares soil data with a weather service
A hospital shares patient data with a specialist — securely and only for the right purpose
Key Takeaways:
Data spaces are secure environments that allow organizations to share and exchange data under common rules.
Sharing data improves collaboration, supports better decision-making, and fosters innovation.
The iSHARE Trust Framework provides agreements and standards that ensure secure, trustworthy, and standardised data sharing.
iSHARE Trust Framework is relevant because it addresses the main challenges of data sharing: trust, security, and interoperability.
iSHARE Trust Framework is already applied in many sectors including logistics and smart cities to improve efficiency and coordination.
iSHARE-based ecosystems use a decentralized model, allowing participants to retain control of their own data while gaining shared insights.
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