Wissensdatenräume

Wissensdatenräume, often translated as "knowledge data spaces" or "data spaces," represent a concept for a decentralized and secure architecture for data sharing and exchange. The core idea is to enable organizations to share their data while maintaining control over its usage. This is achieved through a federated network of independent data providers and consumers. Each participant in a Wissensdatenraum operates their own infrastructure and retains sovereignty over their data. When data is to be shared, participants agree on common standards, governance rules, and technical protocols. These rules dictate who can access which data, under what conditions, and for what purpose. The actual data does not typically leave the participant's environment; instead, access is granted through secure interfaces and APIs, often facilitated by trusted intermediaries or smart contracts. The goal is to foster innovation and collaboration by making data available for analysis and application development without compromising privacy or security. Wissensdatenräume are seen as a way to overcome the challenges of data silos and proprietary data platforms, promoting a more open and interconnected data economy. Key principles include trust, transparency, sovereignty, and interoperability. They are being explored and developed in various sectors, including industry, healthcare, and public administration, to unlock the potential of data for societal benefit.