Data space for manufacturing

The primary goal of the Data Space for Manufacturing grant is to accelerate the development and adoption of advanced generative AI models tailored to the manufacturing sector by enabling the collection and aggregation of large, high-quality datasets from real industrial environments. The initiative aims to create legal, technical, and business frameworks that facilitate secure and authorized access to these datasets for AI developers, while ensuring data holders retain control. The grant supports the creation of interoperable and governed data spaces, fostering collaboration across national and EU levels, and reinforcing the manufacturing data space as a key driver of productivity and innovation. Projects are expected to deliver solutions that address real-world industrial challenges, such as predictive maintenance, process automation, supply chain management, and sustainability.

Eligibility is focused on consortia capable of collecting and managing industrial data relevant to major EU manufacturing sectors, including automotive, chemical, aeronautics, and energy-intensive industries. Proposals must clearly identify target sectors, stakeholders, and have preliminary agreements for data exchange. The inclusion of AI Factories and the use of data intermediaries, as per the Data Governance Act, are encouraged to ensure secure data access and processing. Projects must also coordinate with the Data Spaces Support Centre and demonstrate a viable financial model for long-term sustainability.

The anticipated impact includes the creation of robust, interoperable data spaces that empower AI developers to build innovative applications, enhance productivity, and address key industrial challenges. By fostering collaboration and ensuring secure, scalable data access, the initiative aims to position the EU manufacturing sector at the forefront of AI-driven transformation, supporting competitiveness and sustainable growth.