Data Spaces Innovation Lab (DSIL)
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd
DSIL (Data Space Innovation Lab) implements selected components from the International Data Spaces (IDS) Reference Architecture and GAIA-X frameworks. It provides a research and piloting environment featuring core federated data space assets, such as identity providers, connectors, brokers, and other key services. DSIL’s primary role is to offer a foundation for developing customised data space solutions tailored to specific application domains or use cases. It enables the testing of business concepts and the creation of proof-of-concept solutions before committing to real-world deployment. DSIL also supports compatibility testing of different IDS connector implementations. Functioning as a sandbox environment, DSIL allows for the creation, deployment, and operation of experimental data spaces that can establish efficient and trustworthy data-sharing ecosystems required by Digital Product Passports (DPPs). Once the experimental setup is configured, participating organisations can test, validate, and verify data-sharing use cases. After successful validation and approval, the entire data space—including all its components—can be transitioned to a live production environment.
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D - DSIL offers identity and access management framework, enabling data providers to selectively disclose data only to authorised organizations and allow data providers to specify individual authorised users to access their data resources. DPP solution supports key DPP functionalities such as structured product data, unique identification, role-based data sharing, and integration with existing IT systems as well as various sustainability tools.
R - DPP solution is based on the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) aligned with Industry 4.0 principles. AAS supports efficient collaboration across supply chains by enabling companies to manage and share product data in a modular, standardised, and interoperable way, reducing integration costs.
B - DSIL offers experimental data spaces as a service, enabling companies to explore and leverage data economy and data sharing opportunities. By providing a secure and controlled environment, the lab facilitates the testing and development of customised data space solutions tailored to specific application domains. DSIL offers access to VTT's wide range of R&D project services, including consortium building and leveraging its extensive network and expertise to facilitate holistic data exchange development and access to diverse funding sources.
E - DSIL offers the latest solutions in the field of data spaces. It also supports creating concrete connections European networks and pilot cases deploying innovative technologies.
S - VTT can offer a variety of educational sessions on data spaces and their applications e.g.: Introduction to data spaces: Covering the fundamentals of data spaces, their importance in the data economy, and how they enable secure and controlled data sharing between trusted partners, Technical hands-on workshops: Hands-on sessions focusing on the implementation and integration of IDS / EDC components, such as connectors, brokers, and dynamic attribute provisioning services (DAPS), Advanced data space solutions: Exploring advanced topics like data space governance, data sovereignty, decentralisation, interoperability, and identity management, along with practical applications in various sectors.
T - DSIL provides an extensive infrastructure and expert support for developing, testing, and piloting data spaces and digital product passports (DPPs), offering tools, lab facilities, and resources tailored for scalability and compliance with regulations. DSIL supports standardisation efforts, ensuring interoperability, innovation, and smoother collaboration by providing insights into the latest activities and technical guidance. -
The DSIL DPP demonstrator provides a flexible and standards-based solution for implementing DPPs across any product group. Built upon the AASs and dataspaces, the DPP demonstrator enables trusted, interoperable, and decentralised data exchange throughout the entire product lifecycle—from manufacturing to use, repair, reuse, and recycling.
At its core, the DPP demonstrator describes products and components as AAS-based digital twins that capture relevant technical, environmental, and lifecycle data. The integration with dataspace connectors (Eclipse Dataspace Components) ensures secure, usage-controlled data sharing across organisational boundaries. Role-based access control enables companies to decide who can access what information, and under which conditions.
The DPP demonstrator can support various practical circular economy scenarios such as identifying component and material information, accessing repair instructions and history, and supporting the reuse or recycling of components. The demonstrator includes a simple web-based user interface that allows users to browse product data to the extent they have rights. By using the DPP demonstrator, manufacturers can fill in and supplement product information in the DPP. It can also be coupled with the Electronic Maintenance Book tool which allows repairers to access more detailed maintenance logs as well as enter new repair and maintenance events to the DPP.
The DPP demonstrator is designed for a broad audience. SMEs, especially those preparing for upcoming EU DPP requirements, can benefit from a low-barrier, standards-compliant approach which facilitates the creation of DPPs for their products. Repair shops and circular economy actors will find practical value in the way the DPP data support product longevity. Customers can make more informed purchasing decisions based on the detailed product and environmental information.
