A Feasibility Assessment Framework for Identifying Successful Data Spaces

Data spaces aim to facilitate inter-organizational data sharing using a common governance framework and standardized components. These enable data sharing in a secure and trusted manner and support joint value creation. The fact that data spaces involve multiple stakeholders, data sources, and technical infrastructures leads to complex projects, bearing significant risks. To lower the risks involved when joining or creating data space, a decision framework is necessary that supports the systematic assessment of a data space. In this paper, we developed a feasibility assessment framework that aims to support decision-makers in assessing the viability and potential success of data spaces on a use case level. To develop the framework, we followed a design science research methodology and conducted two design cycles, combining insights from science and practice. We demonstrated the applicability and validity of our framework by applying it to three use cases of established data spaces.