In the rapidly evolving landscape of the data economy, trusted entities like BDVA i-Spaces play a crucial role in guiding companies, particularly SMEs, to harness the full potential of data-driven opportunities. This 60-minute session will delve into the multifaceted ways in which BDVA i-Spaces create value during the onboarding process for businesses entering the European data economy.

The session will emphasize the importance of having reliable entities, like the i-Spaces, that provide comprehensive support to companies at the time to obtain value from data and how to navigate through the complex AI landscape. This support ensures that businesses can quickly and effectively leverage data economy opportunities while mitigating the risks associated with its misuse. By doing so, we can prevent a scenario where only large, predominantly non-European companies benefit from the data economy, leading to significant inequality or even monopolistic practices.

Key topics to be covered include:

• i-Spaces as Experimentation Hubs: Explore how i-Spaces offer a secure environment for companies to test new technologies, business models, and standards, fostering innovation and reducing the risk of failure.
• Federation of i-Spaces: Explain how the federation of i-Spaces provides a coordinated European coverage, ensuring a unified approach and support across all i-Spaces. Highlight the value of the Federated Catalogue.
• Role of i-Spaces in regards to AI Factories and Regulatory Sandboxes: Discuss the role of i-Spaces in attracting end-users and providing support in defining use cases for AI Factories and Regulatory Sandboxes, ensuring that solutions are tailored to real-world needs and challenges. This role may include being unofficial regulatory sandboxes that assist with the regulatory and ethical aspects of data and artificial intelligence, helping companies navigate complex compliance requirements; intermediaries in data spaces, facilitating data sharing and collaboration among businesses; or their contribution to standardization efforts, providing training and resources, and supporting regulatory compliance.

Join us to learn how BDVA i-Spaces are not just enablers but essential partners in ensuring that the benefits of the data economy are accessible to all, fostering a more equitable and innovative business environment.

Objectives of the session

• Demonstrate the value of i-Spaces in the European Data Economy as secure experimentation hubs, where companies can test new technologies, business models, and standards.
• Explain the role of i-Spaces in attracting end-users and defining use cases for AI Factories and Regulatory Sandboxes, ensuring solutions are tailored to real-world needs.
• Present the federation of i-Spaces as a coordinated European coverage structure, providing a unified approach and support across all i-Spaces.

Session’s Outline

1. Introduction, by Clara Pezuela
   • Welcome and opening remarks
   • Overview of the session objectives
   • Recap on the i-Spaces mission and status.
   • Presentation of the Federation Catalogue and call for new i-Spaces
2. Workshop: Role of i-Spaces in AI Factories and Regulatory Sandboxes
   • Food for discussion:
     -What can the i-Spaces do for AI Factories? – Roberta Turra (CINECA)
     -What can the i-Spaces do for Regulatory Sandboxes? – Julia Palma (CeAdar)
   • Joint panel moderated by Clara Pezuela
     -Roberta Turra (CINECA)
     -Julia Palma (CeAdar)
     -Kristina Knaving (RISE)
   • Interactive inputs with audience through Slido (during the interview)
3. Conclusion and Q&A
   • Summary of key points
   • Open floor for questions and discussion
   • Closing remarks

Access the Slides here