Visions is actively involved in the DS4Skills project, particularly in the work related to the policy brief titled “DS4Skills: Towards a Blueprint for the Skills Data Space.” This document provides valuable insights into the development of data spaces for skills and offers recommendations for the Data Spaces Support Centre (DSSC).
Key Themes and Essential Technical Elements for Skills Data Spaces Development
Previous research conducted highlights several challenges and opportunities for strengthening the development of a dedicated data space for skills through seven key themes:
- Human-centric approach
- Semantic interoperability
- Essential technical elements
- Business models
- Complexity of data ecosystems
- Readiness and growth strategy
- Innovative services and applications in skills data spaces
The brief also presents the fundamental technical elements necessary for the development of the Skills Data Space:
- Interoperability
- Trust
- Data value
- AI
- Governance
The brief recommends specific standards and future building blocks for each category, with particular attention to security, transparency, and ethical considerations.
Nine Conditions for Success Identified
Based on previous project work and interview data, the policy brief identifies nine conditions for success in enabling the development of a Skills Data Space:
- Permission to experiment
- Cultivating champions
- Unity among smaller actors
- Broad awareness and recognition
- Renewal of legislative frameworks
- Public-private partnerships
- Collaboration on infrastructures and building blocks
- Interoperability
- Establishment of a trustworthy system
Recommendations for the DSSC
The DSSC plays a crucial role in the development of common data spaces at the European level. It serves as a central hub for coordinating activities, mobilizing stakeholders, and sharing knowledge. Therefore, the brief provides several conclusions and recommendations for the DSSC:
- Articulate and promote the concrete value of data spaces, particularly for skills data spaces.
- Adopt a human-centric approach in communications and resources related to data spaces.
- Collect and share successes and learnings, including challenges and failures, to foster a culture of experimentation and co-learning.
- Coordinate small and medium-sized commercial actors to strengthen their market position and efficiency, promoting unity among smaller actors.
- Facilitate budgeting and public-private strategy exercises, supporting structured dialogue between public and private actors to assess long-term costs and develop sustainability and cost mitigation strategies.
- Encourage the European Data Innovation Board (EDIB) to ensure legal interoperability and consistent implementation across EU member states.
- Encourage the European Commission to support experimentation in data space development and recommend mechanisms such as regulatory sandboxes or synthetic data to foster innovation without compliance concerns.
- By implementing these recommendations, the Skills Data Space project will foster innovation, collaboration, and value creation in the European data landscape.
You can access the full document here.
