About the DataTwin Project

DataTwin is a project dedicated to advancing data space interoperability as a cornerstone of Europe’s digital future. Coordinated by the GATE Institute at Sofia University, in collaboration with the Insight Centre for Data Analytics (Ireland) and SINTEF (Norway), the project runs for three years and builds research and innovation capacity in Bulgaria, bridging the gap with Europe’s leading data ecosystems.

By combining excellence in data science, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure, DataTwin establishes a new research group on Data Space Interoperability at GATE, develops a visionary scientific strategy, and implements joint research projects in key sectors such as urban development, mobility, and healthcare.

Beyond research, the project delivers advanced training programmes, summer schools, and hackathons for early-stage researchers and professionals, while engaging policymakers, industry, and society to accelerate the uptake of interoperable data spaces. DataTwin also produces policy recommendations to guide national strategies and supports Bulgaria’s integration into the common European data space.

Through strong partnerships and knowledge transfer, DataTwin contributes to building a sustainable innovation ecosystem, empowering public authorities, businesses, and citizens to harness the value of data in a sovereign, secure, and fair way.

Project Overview

Full Title: Data Space Interoperability Enabler

Acronym: DataTwin

Duration: 36 months (3 years)

Coordinator: GATE Institute (Bulgaria) - Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski

Partners: National University of Ireland Galway – INSIGHT (Ireland), SINTEF (Norway)

Funding institution: "Research, Innovation and Digitalisation for Smart Transformation" Programme 2021-2027, co-funded by the European Union. Contract BG16RFPR002-1.009-0005-C01. Procedure for the direct award of a grant BG16RFPR002-1.009 "Support for Bulgarian research organizations with projects that have passed the evaluation thresholds under Horizon Europe – HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-02-(TWINNING)"

Project Objectives

DataTwin aims to strengthen scientific excellence, innovation capacity and long-term collaboration in the field of Data Space Interoperability. By bringing together GATE Institute, SINTEF and INSIGHT, the project combines complementary expertise, research capacity and international networks to advance Data Space research and support its uptake in Bulgaria and across Europe.

Objective 1 — Boost scientific excellence and innovation capacity

Strengthen research and innovation excellence in Data Space Interoperability through sustainable collaboration between GATE, SINTEF and INSIGHT. DataTwin will facilitate knowledge transfer, joint research, networking and the development of a shared scientific vision aligned with European priorities and international trends.

Objective 2 — Strengthen GATE’s research profile and attractiveness

Enhance the reputation, visibility and research capacity of GATE Centre of Excellence by establishing a dedicated Data Space Interoperability Research Group, developing researchers’ expertise and expanding GATE’s international research network. Targeted training, researcher mobility and opportunities for Early-Stage Researchers will support the development of sustainable scientific capacity.

Objective 3 — Enhance research management and administration capacity

Improve GATE’s capabilities in research management, proposal development and project administration through structured knowledge transfer from SINTEF and INSIGHT. Training and staff exchanges will cover funding opportunities, project management, communication, teamwork and collaboration.

Objective 4 — Accelerate innovation uptake and support policymaking

Promote the deployment of Data Space Interoperability research and innovation good practices by connecting academia, industry, government and society. DataTwin will contribute to ecosystem development, advanced skills for professionals and entrepreneurs, policy recommendations and greater awareness of the opportunities offered by interoperable Data Spaces.

Objective 5 — Maximise outreach and visibility

Increase the visibility and recognition of DataTwin results at national, regional and European levels. Through targeted communication, dissemination, stakeholder engagement and participation in strategic European networks and initiatives, DataTwin will broaden the reach and long-term impact of its research and innovation activities.

Expected Results

DataTwin will deliver a set of tangible results designed to strengthen research capacity, facilitate knowledge transfer and create a sustainable foundation for Data Space Interoperability research and innovation in Bulgaria and Europe. The proposal identifies the following key expected results:

1. A holistic knowledge transfer framework and collaboration platform supporting effective exchange of expertise and good practices between the project partners.

2. A fully operational Data Space Interoperability Research Group at GATE, creating a focal point for research excellence, international collaboration and future innovation.

3. Advanced learning and training materials covering Data Space Interoperability and related areas, including multimodal data modelling, data sharing and federation, foundation models and AI explainability.

4. A visionary Scientific Strategy for Data Space Interoperability, guiding the short- and long-term research activities of GATE and supporting sustainable collaboration between the partners.

5. Joint research projects addressing emerging scientific and technological challenges in Data Space Interoperability and laying the foundations for future collaborative initiatives.

6. Enhanced capacity of Early-Stage Researchers, supported through targeted training, mobility, research collaboration and hands-on participation in joint projects.

7. A Policy Recommendation White Paper, supporting public authorities and decision-makers in understanding and enabling the development and uptake of interoperable Data Spaces.

8. An Ecosystem Building Report, mapping relevant stakeholders and identifying opportunities for collaboration across research, industry, public authorities and the innovation community.

9. Summer Schools and Research Hackathons, providing opportunities for knowledge exchange, skills development, networking and collaborative research, with particular emphasis on Early-Stage Researchers.