Towards a minimum viable dataspace for the CEDS public sector: An initial implementation

Data sharing across borders and sectors has emerged as a main priority for Europe. Common European Data Spaces (CEDS) aim to make this possible in a trusted, secure, and interoperable way. However, setting up such environments remains a complex task, especially for public sector actors with limited resources. This paper presents the first steps toward a Minimum Viable Dataspace (MVD) for the European public sector. The goal is to support secure data sharing among authorized entities, in alignment with key European dataspace initiatives. The MVD architecture integrates essential components: a Dynamic Attribute Provisioning Service (DAPS), a data exchange agent that enables data sharing and storing, and multiple open-source dataspace connector software blocks deployed in real pilot environments. The setup includes components for partial usage control, authentication, and policy enforcement. Thus, it demonstrates a controlled framework for data exchange among authorized participants. Early pilot feedback confirms the usability and readiness of the MVD. This implementation can lay the foundation for further iterations, aiming for easier and scalable integration with wider European data ecosystems.