My Master of Science thesis, completed at Tampere University, explored how data spaces can support sustainability data collection and sharing, especially in relation to CSRD and DPP. Beyond compliance, the study also looked at the broader business benefits that data spaces could offer. The research combined a literature review with expert interviews from both industrial companies and data professionals.
What are data spaces?
While there is no single strict definition, data spaces are generally understood as decentralised infrastructures for data sharing, built on common standards and principles. They enable organisations to exchange data in ecosystems while maintaining control over their own data.
Think of a data space as a shared environment where data flows between companies. Instead of being collected into a central repository, data is exchanged through common rules, technical connectors, and agreed standards. Participants decide what to share, with whom, and under what terms.
Several initiatives, many of which follow the spirit of open-source collaboration, are shaping the current landscape of data spaces in Europe:
- International Data Spaces Association (IDSA): Promotes and provides technical information for data spaces, such as creating standards
- Gaia-X: Creates specifications, rules, policies and provides a Digital Clearing Houses verification framework
- Common European Data Spaces: Aims to establish a single market for data inside the EU, combining several different domains
- Catena-X: An operational industrial data space driven by Germany’s automotive industry, enabling data exchange in supply chains
These initiatives are still evolving, and new data spaces are still emerging.
Exchanging data in ecosystems through data spaces
A key insight from the research was clear: Interoperability is the key promise of data spaces. Regulations like CSRD and DPP require companies to collect and share sustainability-related data across their value chains. In practice, this often means reaching out to a wide range of upstream suppliers and providing data to customers and other stakeholders in the downstream value chain.
Data collection and sharing can be fragmented and rely heavily on manual processes: emails, Excel sheets, PDFs, ESG questionnaires and countless other data formats. Companies struggle with data quality, lack of standardisation and system interoperability, supplier engagement, and limited visibility beyond direct partners. Tackling these issues is important in unlocking the full potential of your value chain data, so do not wait to get started.
This is where data spaces show their potential. Interoperability is achieved through shared data standards and connectors. Instead of building separate connections between many suppliers or continuing with manual processes, data spaces allow participants to connect and share data in a standardised, scalable way. This makes it easier to bring more companies into a common data-sharing network across the value chain, enabling shared value creation.
Data sovereignty is also a benefit. When sharing data in an ecosystem, data spaces allow companies to maintain control over the data they share. This is particularly relevant for DPP, as product data can be sensitive. Controlled mechanisms for data sharing build trust in the ecosystem and lower the barriers to participation.
Beyond regulatory compliance
The potential of data spaces goes well beyond sustainability reporting like CSRD. They can help streamline existing operational processes in industrial data exchange and supply chains. Providing data through a clear process and standardised interfaces can also help establish trust with other stakeholders in the market.
At the same time, data spaces can open doors to new business opportunities. Simply making sustainability data more accessible through data spaces could unlock a wide range of new opportunities. They could help unlock the full potential of Digital Product Passports by going beyond regulatory requirements, or even, in the future, establish a platform for monetising data.
Shaping what comes next
As emerging sustainability regulations push companies toward more transparent value chain data, the need for scalable, standardised, and secure data exchange is becoming increasingly needed as a foundation for creating value. Will they become the foundation for future-proof data sharing in Europe? Time will tell—but it’s definitely a space worth watching.
Looking to harness your value chain sustainability data for more than just compliance? Contact Saana Tikkanen or Tuuli Nybergh to explore how we could support you in achieving your goals.
Want to know more about data spaces? Contact me or access my thesis via Tampere University’s Trepo repository.