The technical specification CEN/CLC/TS 18331:2026 – Maturity Assessment of Common European Data Spaces has been published. It is the first standardised European framework for assessing the maturity level of data spaces. The technical content is based on preparatory work carried out by the Data Spaces Support Centre (DSSC), which has been included in the formal standardisation process through its link with the joint CEN-CLC technical committee (JTC 25), and will enable data space initiatives to measure their progress against common criteria.

The specification views data spaces as socio-technical systems, recognizing that their success depends not only on technology but also on their governance, their sustainability as a business model, and their ability to generate real value.

The framework defines five maturity phases:

• Exploratory – stakeholders analyze feasibility, objectives, and use cases.
• Preparatory – committed partners agree to move forward and design common foundations.
• Implementation – governance frameworks and infrastructure are established, and the first data exchange capabilities are launched.
• Operational – data exchange is now live, and use cases are generating value.
• Scaling – the data space is growing sustainably and expanding its impact.

With this new specification, the DSSC provides the ecosystem with a common tool to drive the deployment of data spaces in Europe and encourages initiatives, operators, and governance authorities to apply the model and share their results to further refine best practices in the sector.

What does this mean for BAIDATA partners?

For BAIDATA partners, this framework offers, for the first time, a common, Europe-wide recognized tool to assess the maturity stage of their data space and identify which areas to strengthen in order to move forward. This makes it easier to compare initiatives, prioritize efforts where they have the greatest impact, and gain credibility with government agencies and technology partners by aligning with a standard endorsed by CEN-CENELEC.

By providing this specification, the DSSC offers the ecosystem a common tool to drive the deployment of data spaces in Europe and encourages initiatives, operators, and governance authorities to implement it and share results.