I’ve been supporting one of these working groups for a while now. What I’ve seen is this: The working groups are the foundation of everything we see out there right now. From developing the Reference Architecture Model (RAM 5) to drafting certification criteria, we tackle the tough questions and write the specs that others later use, adapt, and operationalize.
Turning ambition into action
IDSA’s working groups are organized around core domains – Architecture, Rulebook, Certification, Standardization, and Training. Each has a clear purpose, but they are all united by one thing: the goal of making data spaces work in the real world.
In the Architecture working group, we’re evolving IDS Reference Architecture Model (RAM 5), the conceptual blueprint for data spaces. This is where key topics like trust, usage control, observability, interoperability, and governance are broken down, debated, and turned into actionable frameworks. New members start by attending bi-weekly RAM 5 calls to get familiar with the concepts. Then, over time they get to contribute to chapters that define how data providers and consumers interact securely and fairly.
Meanwhile, our colleagues in the Dataspace Protocol subgroup and the Standardization Coordination Group are working with organizations like ISO, CEN/CENELEC, etc. to turn our practical implementation guide into international standards. They ensure that what we specify doesn’t stay locked in white papers – it becomes interoperable code and agreed-upon behavior.
The Rulebook working group brings in a broader mix of experts – legal, operational, business. They translate technical concepts into guidance that organizations can actually apply. If you’ve ever wondered how how to implement and operate data spaces with business, legal, and operational angles , this is where you’d want to contribute.
Certification is another cornerstone. Without trust, no one shares data. That’s why the Certification group is revisiting how we evaluate compliance. They’re working on IDS Certification 2.0, making sure it matches the latest developments in architecture and standards, and speaks to the needs of industry.
And finally, the Training group is laying the foundation for a skilled workforce. By shaping qualifications like the Data Space Business Consultant or Technical Consultant, they ensure that expertise keeps up with innovation.
Collaboratively towards real implications
If you’re using data spaces or planning to, your success depends on the outcomes of these working groups. We define the roles that make a data space function. We specify the processes that enable interoperability. We work out how usage policies can be enforced, how trust is managed, and how legal concerns are addressed.
We’re not just writing theory. Every meeting, every paper, every review has real implications. I’ve seen how our workshops feed directly into implementations. When someone challenges a concept during a call, it can shift the direction of a chapter or inspire a new specification. That’s the power and responsibility of this work.
And it’s collaborative. You don’t need to be a lead author or a certification expert to make a difference. Many of us started by just attending meetings, offering comments, or reviewing draft documents. Over time, that turns into leadership.
The way forward
Working groups are where the IDSA community comes together. Technologists, businesspeople, and policymakers build a shared language for data spaces. We discuss, agree, revise, and move forward together.
As regulations evolve, as markets adopt more data-driven models, and as interoperability becomes a demand rather than a nice-to-have, the work we’re doing becomes more crucial. If you care about how data spaces function, not just in theory, but in practice, this is where you should be.
We’re always looking for fresh perspectives. Whether you’re focused on compliance, governance, architecture, or capacity building, there’s a working group that can use your input. And there’s probably one that could change how you think about your own data sharing initiatives.
Want to be part of IDSA’s working groups?
Explore how you can contribute and check out the IDSA working groups overview: Read the PDF
