Why we need the Dataspace Protocol
The idea of data spaces has been around for a while. Governments, industries, and researchers have all contributed to the gradual development of technologies and governance models that enable trusted and self-determined data sharing. However, until now, the lack of a neutral, globally accepted standard has slowed progress.
We can compare this to the early days of the internet—before the introduction of HTTP, the exchange of information between Computers on the World Wide Web was fragmented. It was the adoption of a universal protocol that made the internet what it is today. Similarly, the Dataspace Protocol is poised to become the binding standard for data spaces, bringing order to an increasingly complex data-sharing landscape.
A catalyst for scaling data spaces
At its core, the DSP enables interoperability between data space components and participants. It offers clear guidelines on how data should be cataloged, how contracts and usage agreements are negotiated, and how data is transferred. By doing so, it eliminates many of the barriers preventing organizations from fully embracing data sharing. Think of it as the underlying infrastructure on which diverse ecosystems can build their own data-sharing models, making the exchange more efficient and trusted. The European Union’s Data Act, set to come into force September 2025, amplifies the need for such a protocol.
The Dataspace Protocol is one of our key contributions to making the data economy a reality – it is the product of years of collaboration between our members and partners, the distillation of the IDS Reference Architecture, the IDSA Rulebook, and everything we have achieved over the past few years.
Key technical innovations
One of the most important innovations that the DSP introduces is the separation of the control plane and the data plane. This separation enhances both security and efficiency. The control plane focuses on decision-making – managing user access, identifying participants, and routing data – while the data plane handles the actual exchange of information.
By separating these two functions in the Data Space Connector, the protocol ensures that each process is optimized for its role, paving the way for scalability and modularity. This makes it possible to tailor the data plane to the specific needs of different data spaces – whether they focus on large datasets, real-time messaging, or event-based data sharing – while maintaining a standardized control plane that ensures compatibility and security.
From specification to ISO standard
The path to ISO standardization is not straightforward. It requires a robust process of development, feedback, and consensus-building. However, the benefits of making DSP an internationally recognized standard cannot be overstated. It will provide a common set of rules that all data spaces, regardless of location or industy, can follow.
One key aspect of this process is the integration of the DSP with a Technology Compatibility Kit (TCK), a tool that will help developers ensure that their implementations align with the protocol. This effort is being carried out in close collaboration with the Eclipse Dataspace Working Group (EDWG), a vital forum that brings together the open-source community to contribute frameworks and code for building data spaces.
Eclipse Data Space Working Group: Driving the future of data spaces
The EDWG, established within the Eclipse Foundation, is a collaborative initiative that aligns open-source projects with the development of core data space technologies. The group fosters the creation of essential components and protocols necessary for building and managing data spaces. Its bottom-up approach ensures that all stakeholders—whether they are developers, policymakers, or businesses—have a say in shaping the future of data spaces.
IDSA acts as the collective voice of its members and ensuring that their needs and priorities are reflected in the working group’s output. The collaboration within the EDWG is essential for building scalable, reliable, and interoperable data space technologies.
The road ahead: Ongoing development and widespread application
The work on DSP is far from over. As data sharing continues to evolve, so must the protocols that support it. The DSP will need to adapt to new challenges and integrate emerging technologies such as privacy-preserving techniques and advanced cybersecurity measures. This is why IDSA’s efforts don’t stop at standardization—our goal is to ensure that the DSP remains relevant and applicable to the wide variety of data spaces being developed worldwide.
The Dataspace Protocol will also impact IDS Certification. Since 2022, we have been operating the IDS Certification Scheme aimed at certifying the interoperability, compatibility, and trustworthiness of Data Space Connectors. With the completion of the standardization of the Dataspace Protocol, the IDS Certification Scheme will evolve to assess interoperability modules based on automated testing. This will allow adopters to select form certified data space connectors, focusing their effort on identifying the best use cases for data sharing that support their objectives and entrepreneurship.
Broader adoption and global impact
In the coming months, our primary goal is to broaden DSP adoption across industries and sectors. The European Union’s legal frameworks will provide a strong foundation, but the real impact will come when businesses and governments across the globe recognize the benefits of adopting a standardized approach to data sharing.
