Finland actively in the development of the information economy: Research
Finland is well involved In the work done in Europe to develop a data economy. This is the conclusion of a study on data spaces published by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. Data spaces are part of the digital transformation of societies and the knowledge-based economy.
Data space refers to a network of actors or systems created for the open sharing and exchange of information, operating on the basis of commonly agreed principles and rules. Such information spaces promoting the sharing and use of information will be developed e.g. transport, health, energy and agriculture, and the public sector. Data spaces are also being used to build interoperability between different sectors.
Research on data spaces examines data space as a concept, explains its principles and practices, and lists the characteristics of a good data space. The report also looks at ongoing development work in Europe and Finland, projects in preparation and standardization processes.
According to the study, Finnish projects are well involved in the development of European data facilities. It is now important to ensure that Finns are also active in EU data space projects and related funding applications.
The Ministry will use the results of the study in the preparation of regulations on the use of information and in influencing EU processes, as well as in the preparation of issues related to the protection of privacy and the security and confidentiality of transport and communications services. The aim is to introduce enabling regulations that promote access to information and thus improve the operating environment for knowledge-based companies.
Data spaces implement an open data infrastructure for data
Research shows that there is a broad international consensus on the need for fair and equitable access to and sharing of information. This should be used to accelerate the development of information facilities.
According to the study, operators of information facilities in Europe are moving from experimentation and the definition of general principles to the widespread deployment of industrial facilities.
The European Commission is also accelerating the development of a digital single market based on data exploitation. The Commission is preparing a number of pieces of legislation relevant to the digital environment to clarify the sharing and use of information. Key factors in the process include open and equal access to and usability of information, as well as MyData principles that allow people to manage information about themselves.
According to the study, an approach to the exploitation of information based on the goals set by European society and regulation is seen as a counterweight to the business model of large companies using data. In the future, it would very likely be more appropriate to build on a balanced model of cooperation between European and US actors.
The research report “State of Data Spaces” was published at the Data Economy Forum organized by the Ministry of Transport and Communications on November 8, 2021. The report is written in English and is available on the Gateway to Information on Government Projects website. The study was commissioned by the Department of Transportation and Communications and conducted by 1001 Lakes.
Source: Ministry of Transport and Communications