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The Flemish Smart Data Space (FSDS)

FSDS enables private companies, public administrations and other organisations to participate in confidence in the data economy by publishing dynamic data (sourced from sensors and wearables, for instance) and more static context data in an innovative way in a data space. Using a Linked Data Event Stream (LDES) brings plenty of advantages within reach of both users and providers. More data lead to more innovation.

How does FSDS work?

Flemish Smart Data Space operates by the following principles:

Open Standards

FSDS ensures that data from private companies and administrations become more usable by other companies and sectors. Using a data space allows data to collaborate and become enriched.

To this end, standards and specifications are needed. Clear agreements are required, on technical as well as semantic aspects of storing, supplying and sharing data. For the standardisation of data flows, FSDS adheres to the OSLO principles.

Ready-made software building blocks for organisations

FSDS provides software components that facilitate sustainable data sharing. These lower the threshold to getting started for companies, public administrations and other organisations.

The offer consists of building blocks allowing interested parties to get started immediately. They contain open-source software for consuming, linking and publishing linked data, which comply with the same standards. It is scalable and efficient and allows each party to choose which data to share.

All this makes a host of previously hard-to-use information available in accessible data. Companies will be free to focus on developing new applications based on these data.

Data ecosystem for private companies and public administrations

The FSDS environment functions as a data ecosystem: a network where parties can confidently exchange data while retaining control.

This data ecosystem creates a level playing field for the development of applications. Data ecosystems are intelligent data hubs that allow collaborations and facilitate new business models. They remove barriers for organisations, companies and administrations wanting access to third-party data.

Governance

Smooth collaboration between parties requires clear agreements. The same applies to the maintenance and preservation of the building blocks. How up-to-date are the building blocks? Who is able and authorised to set them up and maintain them? These questions, too, are duly addressed.

Governance provides the basic framework for unambiguous working methods, transparent processes and clear rules regarding all levels:

  • technical
  • semantic
  • organisational
  • legal

Our company's legal guarantees include European directives. As a Flemish public company with international ambitions, we comply with European laws and regulations.

Unlocking data with FSDS - 2 practical examples

The sharing economy and public transport

Information islands leave the power of data untapped. Added value is generated by combining them. Think of data on the departure times of trains and buses and the availability of shared bicycles at stations. The value of these data increases exponentially depending on the extent to which users can link multiple data (weather, air quality, ...) across various domains (traffic, climate, ...).

Water

Another example is data concerning water, such as water quality, groundwater levels and the flow rate of rivers and streams. Various parties, such as municipalities, utilities, the Flemish Environment Agency and private companies, make observations using their sensors. They each store the resulting data in their data systems.

On the other hand, a decentralised data ecosystem like FSDS uses data standards and software building blocks to make these data retrievable by other parties within the data ecosystem. As a result, other parties also use the data, allowing for interesting cross-pollination. So the waters will flow and also the data... 

Flemish ambition for your business

Thanks to Flemish Smart Data Spaces, Flanders is pioneering in Europe. This technological innovation makes secure data collaboration possible and creates opportunities for companies and organisations.

Would you like to be at the forefront of the data economy? Do you want to exploit opportunities for your business? Discover here which initiatives and projects may boost your activities.

View current projects

Frequently asked questions about FSDS

What does the FSDS mean?

FSDS stands for Flemish Smart Data Space. It is based on an innovative approach for decentral publishing of dynamic, fast-changing data (from sensors, for instance) combined with context data. Using innovative Linked Data Event Streams (LDES) - a new standard for data publication - results in more data becoming more usable to more companies.

What can companies use FSDS for?

Flemish Smart Data Space enables companies to combine dynamic data and more static data smoothly. It provides a solution for cost efficient and application domain independent high-volume data publishing, including of historic data.

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