Workshop on data spaces in Brazil

Data spaces provide a structured environment where data from various sources can be stored and shared securely. They encompass both the physical infrastructure and the software systems used to handle the data. The workshop explored the role and implementation of data spaces in Brazil.

The online event was a joint effort of ABDI, the Brazilian-German Digital Dialogue, the Brazilian Association of Machinery and Equipment Industry (ABIMAQ), the Brazilian Association of Electrical and Electronic Industry (ABINEE) and the Centre of Organizational Engineering (NEO).

Growing demand for data spaces

Isabela Gaya, Analyst of Productivity and Innovation at ABDI, opened the workshop. She explained that ABDI promotes the adoption and diffusion of digital technologies in several sectors. Gaya emphasised the growing demand for an ecosystem for secure data sharing between companies, governments and individuals.

The moderator of the session, Johannes Klingberg from the Secretariat for the Brazilian-German Digital Dialogue, then invited the other partners to present their perspectives on the topic. João Alfredo Delgado, Executive Director of Technology at ABIMAQ, and Israel Guratti, Manager of Technology & Industrial Policy at ABINEE, introduced their organisations and how data spaces could support the development of Industrie 4.0 initiatives.

Building trust in data sharing

Professor Néstor Fábian Ayala, researcher and co-director of NEO, provided insights on the significance of data spaces for different sectors. He stressed the general need for secure data sharing. Néstor further emphasised the potential of data sharing for boosting innovation in both Europe and Brazil.

During his presentation, the professor highlighted the Gaia-X ecosystem. It aims to develop a secure and reliable infrastructure for data sharing between European companies. Gaia-X promotes interoperability and facilitates the exchange of data between service providers - a process that can be challenging without data spaces. Néstor also mentioned lighthouse projects within Gaia-X which include data-sharing initiatives for specific sectors.

Implementing data spaces in Brazil

Moving to the Brazilian context, Néstor stressed the importance of understanding the country's unique characteristics while learning from Europe's initiatives. Various sectors in Brazil, such as agriculture, transportation and electronic supply chains, offer promising opportunities for the implementation of data spaces. By leveraging lessons from Gaia-X and considering Brazil's specific challenges and opportunities, the workshop participants explored the possibility of implementing this kind of digital ecosystem in Brazil.

The workshop is part of a broader initiative that aims to build a common understanding of the prospects for data spaces in Brazil. It includes the publication of a quick guide on the concept of data spaces as well as a series of on-site workshops. More information on the quick guide and the upcoming workshops will be provided on the Digital Dialogues’ website soon.

Watch the recording of the workshop in Portuguese here: