European Data Space for Smart Communities
European Data Space for Smart Communities (DS4SSCC-DEP) is an EU-funded project with an overarching aim to create a large-scale cross-sectorial data space for smart communities in the EU. It aims to advance its implementation to support policy priorities of EU cities and communities by validating the governance and technical blueprint developed by the preparatory action ‘Data Space for Smart and Sustainable Cities and Communities (DS4SSCC).
DS4SSCC-DEP’s vision revolves around creating a well-governed data space available for developers and infrastructure providers, aligning with the prospects outlined in Europe’s Digital Decade objectives. Our vision is rooted in acknowledging data as a critical asset in contemporary society, akin to essential resources like water or food supplies. DS4SSCC-DEP aims to build a territorial, place-based data space for smart communities. This approach distinguishes itself from sectorial data spaces by encompassing diverse domains, underpinning governance across all levels of society.
Objective
The project aims to evolve the blueprint for the smart communities data space in 10-12 pilots, which will validate it in real use to deliver a sustainable European data space.
The key objectives of the project are:
- Establishing a Federated and Innovative Data Space. This phase focuses on creating a large-scale data space controlled by public data holders, ensuring alignment with the Smart Middleware Platform and broader data space ecosystems. It also aims to offer middleware service solutions facilitating data sharing and management while refining the blueprint based on gained experience.
- Pilots and Refinement of the Data Space Blueprint. Through 10-12 cross-sector data pilots in various EU communities, this objective aims to validate and refine the data space blueprint. Using common high-value data sets, it seeks to create added value by combining data from various domains, contributing to the sustainability plan, and minimizing infrastructure investment.
- Fostering Innovation and Ecosystem Alignment. Engaging stakeholders, compliance with sector-specific legislation, establishing links with Horizon Europe missions, creating services available via trusted application catalogues, and enhancing ethical considerations and AI-enabled local solutions constitute the focus of this objective.
Duration and partners
Duration: October 2023 – September 2026 (36 months)
Partners:
- Open & Agile Smart Cities (OASC) (BE)
- Interunivesity Microelectronics Center (IMEC) (BE)
- FIWARE Foundation E.V. (DE)
- International Data Corporation (IDC) Italy S.R.L. (IT)
- Serendipity Holding B.V. (NL)
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS) (SI)
- Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) (EE)
Funding
Funding source: Co-funded by the Digital Europe programme.
Budget: The total budget is 17 998 861 EUR, with a specific allocation of 484 496 EUR for the FinEst Centre for Smart Cities.
The main part (85%) of the project’s budget (15 300 000 EUR) will be used to provide support to 10-12 pilot projects (grants are distributed by the coordinator).
Sustainability and Responsibility
DS4SSCC-DEP, building upon established European networks, aims to significantly contribute to the sustainability goals of European citizens. It emphasises co-creation, standardisation, business models, strategies for data spaces, and envisions a federated platform. The project and the deployed Smart Cities and Communities data space will facilitate access to data for tracking and reporting purposes when it comes to Green Deal priorities. The piloting activities will be essential in identifying gaps in available data or in their quality when they already exist and help propose mitigating steps for the future.
The Role of the FinEst Centre for Smart Cities
FinEst Centre for Smart Cities is responsible for leading work package “Open Calls” and is therefore in charge of planning, launching, conducting and selecting the project pilots through an open call with three cuts for evaluation. The Centre further contributes to the pilot support programme and iteration of the blueprint for a federated European Data Space for Smart Communities.
