Data spaces: pathways to greater data sharing and impact?

As a core partner of the PISTIS project, the European DIGITAL SME Alliance (DSME) is at the forefront of ensuring that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are not just spectators, but active drivers of the European data economy.

The Challenge: Breaking Down Silos

For many SMEs, the transition from isolated industrial data silos to collaborative data ecosystems is hindered by technical complexity, high costs, and concerns over data sovereignty. PISTIS addresses these barriers by developing a federated data sharing and monetisation platform that guarantees secure, trusted, and controlled exchange of proprietary data assets.

Bridging Policy and Practice

In a recent collaborative webinar, “Data Spaces: Pathways to Greater Data Sharing and Impact,” DSME and PISTIS experts explored how European regulations—like the Data Act—are being transformed into practical business opportunities. The session highlighted:

  • Sovereignty by Design: How the PISTIS framework allows SMEs to share data while maintaining full control over its usage, ensuring they remain “sovereign” over their digital assets.

  • Interoperability: Moving toward an autonomous ecosystem where data flows seamlessly across different sectors, from mobility and energy to automotive.

  • AI-Readiness: How PISTIS provides the high-quality, trusted data required to train competitive European AI models.

  • Monetisation: Introducing tools for fair data valuation, allowing SMEs to unlock new revenue streams from their existing data.

DSME: The Voice of SMEs in PISTIS

Through its vast network of over 45,000 digital SMEs, DSME ensures that the PISTIS platform is built with the user in mind. By focusing on skills cultivation and low-barrier entry points, DSME helps companies assess their data maturity and adopt PISTIS technologies to drive innovation and supply chain resilience.

Join the Data Revolution

PISTIS and DIGITAL SME are building more than just a platform; they are building a community. By participating in our Living Labs and upcoming pilot demonstrators in Mobility, Energy, and Automotive, SMEs can help shape the future of a fair and transparent European data market.