Regulating data space connectors as an essential gateway to data spaces: The European Electronic Communications Code as a suitable choice for addressing a lack of interoperability and harmonisation?

Michiel Fierens

doi:10.71265/ssd8ff47

Authors

Michiel Fierens Katholieke Universiteit Leuven https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9721-2389

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71265/ssd8ff47

Keywords:

European Data Strategy, data spaces, connectors, harmonisation, interoperability, Critical infrastructure, Digital Public Infrastructure, Data Governance Act, Digital Markets Act, electronic communications code

Abstract

Data Spaces are highly interconnected data sharing ecosystems that represent a new array of collaborative data-sharing forms. In this context, data space connectors play a vital role as gateways for integrating existing systems and their respective data into Data Spaces. However, the lack of reusable and interoperable core components for data space connectors has resulted in divergent implementations and a lack of a shared understanding of data space connectors as mere bridging software. Absent harmonised components of connectors and a unified definition of the primary function of data space connectors, there is a concern that these connectors may impede, rather than facilitate, seamless access to Data Spaces. The hypothesis of the paper is that regulation should be considered as a means of addressing the current heterogeneous landscape and achieving the objective of enabling data sharing through Data Spaces. The paper therefore concludes with a hypothesis regarding the regulation of data space connectors as electronic communication services under the European Electronic Communications Code, and a call for further detailed research into the potential for implementing this hypothesis in practice.

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Author Biography

Michiel Fierens, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Michiel Fierens is a Doctoral Researcher at KU Leuven Centre for IT & IP Law.

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