Sebastian outlined two key areas in which the IDSA is making strides: internal developments and external standardization activities. Both are critical pieces of the larger puzzle that IDSA is committed to solving, ensuring that data spaces are not just a European ambition but a global reality.
Modular progress: The new Reference Architecture Model
Internally, one of the major shifts is happening with the IDS Reference Architecture Model (IDS-RAM), which serves as the blueprint for how data spaces function. Traditionally a massive, comprehensive document, the IDS-RAM 5.0 is being redesigned as a more modular and flexible tool. Instead of one monolithic manual, IDS-RAM 5.0 will allow for incremental updates and more agile adaptation to new challenges. This change not only simplifies the task of keeping the architecture current but also ensures that it can be tailored to specific contexts without losing its foundational principles. The goal here is simple: create a living framework that can grow and evolve with the needs of the data space ecosystem.
Bridging rulebooks and standards: The path to ISO/IEC AWI 20151
Perhaps most notably, IDSA’s Rulebook—a detailed guide explaining the operation and governance of data spaces—has now set the course for the development of an international standard: ISO/IEC AWI 20151. This standard, which defines the key characteristics of data spaces, is being developed in collaboration with ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 38, the committee responsible for cloud computing and distributed platforms. This achievement is not just a win for the IDSA, but for the entire data-sharing ecosystem. By aligning the rulebook with this global standard, IDSA is pushing for an unified language that both internal stakeholders and international partners can use to ensure compliance and interoperability.
The development of ISO/IEC AWI 20151 is not without its challenges. However, lessons learned from drafting this standard will be fed back into the IDSA Rulebook, ensuring the two remain closely aligned.
The Dataspace Protocol: Global interoperability in the making
Another major milestone is the development of the Dataspace Protocol. This protocol, which has reached a high level of maturity, is now housed within an Eclipse projects, ensuring that it can be tested and developed in an open-source environment. Once fully integrated, the protocol will form the backbone for interoperability between data spaces, allowing them to communicate and share data seamlessly.
The protocol is also poised to become an ISO standard, which would solidify its role as a foundation for global data-sharing practices. The ongoing work to refine and submit the Dataspace Protocol to ISO demonstrates IDSA’s commitment to making data spaces a globally interconnected system.
Certification and compliance: The next step forward
In parallel with the development of the Dataspace Protocol, IDSA is revisiting its certification process. Currently, IDS Certification ensures that connectors—software components that allow different systems/parties to communicate within a data space—meet the necessary standards for data sovereignty. As the Dataspace Protocol evolves and is tested within the Eclipse project, this certification will also need to evolve, moving from version one to a more advanced version two.
This future version of certification will focus heavily on ensuring compliance with the Dataspace Protocol, giving participants confidence that the connectors they are using are fully interoperable.
The role of national standards
Externally, IDSA’s work is deeply connected to global standardization efforts, particularly through their contributions to ISO/IEC AWI 20151. The goal is to create a clear, common framework for data spaces that can be applied across different regions and industries.
In addition, IDSA is coordinating closely with ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 41, the committee focused on IoT and digital twins. By ensuring that data spaces are compatible with IoT standards, IDSA is laying the groundwork for a future where data spaces, IoT systems, and digital twins can interact seamlessly.
At the same time, IDSA recognizes that global standards need to accommodate local regulations and requirements. Particularly in Europe, where the Data Act and other regulations are shaping the data-sharing landscape, there is a need to ensure that regional rules can coexist within the global framework. IDSA’s approach here is strategic: by forming ISO/IEC AWI 20151 and the Dataspace Protocol as flexible, overarching standards, they create room for national standards and regulations to fit within a global context. This ensures that data spaces remain interoperable while allowing for local variations in law and practice.
Looking ahead: A global, interoperable future
Sebastian’s update reveals an organization that is both ambitious and pragmatic. IDSA is not just working on technical solutions but is actively building the framework that will allow data spaces to flourish across the world. By evolving its internal tools, aligning with international standards, and creating transparency through tools like the Dataspace Protocol, IDSA is laying the foundation for a data-sharing ecosystem that can thrive both locally and globally.
The road ahead is clear: IDSA is building a system that will allow data to flow across borders, industries, and regulatory frameworks, creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation on a scale we are just beginning to understand. The pieces are coming together, and the future of data spaces looks more interconnected than ever.
