DataTwin Explores Europe’s Data Spaces and AI Future at Data Week 2026 in Oslo

The event provided valuable insights directly relevant to the objectives of the DataTwin project, particularly in the areas of smart cities, AI-ready platforms, data interoperability, and the creation of sustainable data ecosystems capable of generating real business and societal value.

A central theme throughout the conference was the growing role of data spaces as the foundation of Europe’s AI and data economy. Discussions highlighted that the next stage of digital transformation depends not only on access to data, but on trusted mechanisms for sharing, governance, interoperability, and collaboration across sectors. Sessions such as “Data Labs: their role in Europe’s Data and AI Landscape” and “Leveraging i-Spaces for data spaces operation, scaling and adoption” emphasized the importance of experimentation environments and innovation hubs in accelerating the adoption of data spaces across Europe.

Particular relevance to the DataTwin project was found in the session “Data Spaces for Smart Cities: AI-Ready Trusted Platforms to Scale Urban Innovation.” The discussion explored how urban digital twins and interoperable data platforms can support more efficient city management, sustainable urban planning, mobility optimization, and improved public services. The session reinforced the strategic direction of DataTwin in developing AI-ready urban ecosystems based on secure and trusted data exchange.

The conference also addressed one of the most critical challenges for the European data economy: how to turn data spaces into sustainable business opportunities. The session “Turning Data Spaces into Business Value: Are our customers lost in Space?” focused on the need for user-oriented approaches, clearer value propositions, and stronger engagement between technology providers, businesses, and public institutions.

Participation in Data Week 2026 enabled the DataTwin team to exchange knowledge with leading European stakeholders and to further align the project with emerging trends in AI, smart cities, and data space development. The discussions in Oslo confirmed that collaboration, interoperability, and trusted data sharing will be essential for building competitive and resilient digital ecosystems in Europe.