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Feedback on the European Commission's Proposal for the European Data Strategy

European Data Innovation Center offers feedback on EU Commission's public consultation for the creation of a unified data market within the European Strategy for Data, with the objective of bolstering EU competitiveness in the international data economy. This proposal encompasses the adoption...

European Commission's Feedback on the Blueprint for the Use and Management of Data Across Europe
European Commission's Feedback on the Blueprint for the Use and Management of Data Across Europe

Feedback on the European Commission's Proposal for the European Data Strategy

The European Commission has recently unveiled its ambitious European Strategy for Data, aiming to position the EU as a leading role model for a society empowered by data. This strategy, which is expected to be updated before proposing legislative rules through the Data Act in 2021, is designed to create a single market for data and compete globally in the data economy.

At the heart of this strategy is the creation of common "European data spaces." These spaces are intended to facilitate the seamless flow of data across borders, fostering collaboration and innovation. To complement this, the EU should harmonize its data governance frameworks rather than creating a centralized EU data and cloud system.

The strategy also emphasizes the importance of more accessible data for the creation of new products and services. To this end, the Commission plans to adopt new legislation on data governance, access, and use. This includes the establishment of "personal data spaces" for users to have more control over their data. These spaces are proposed to give users greater autonomy, allowing them to decide who can access their data and for what purposes.

However, the strategy calls for the creation of "personal data spaces" without providing evidence that consumers want these or specifics on how it would work. This suggests that there may be further developments and refinements to these aspects of the strategy before they are finalized.

In addition to focusing on data access and control, the strategy places a strong emphasis on skill development and data literacy. This investment aims to ensure that Europe's workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to navigate and harness the power of data effectively.

The strategy also acknowledges the role of data in empowering society but the Commission acknowledges that the premises and notions upon which the strategy is based may be fundamentally flawed. As such, it is crucial that the strategy is continuously reviewed and improved to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

To achieve its goals, the EU should engage with its partners, including allied countries, the private sector, and invest in strategic technologies. It is also essential that the strategy balances data sharing with the EU's privacy rules, ensuring that citizens' rights are protected while fostering innovation.

Moreover, the strategy should exclude non-democratic systems and embrace digital free trade with allied, rule-of-law, democratic nations outside of the EU. The strategy should also avoid unnecessary duplication or expansion of rules in its data governance frameworks.

Safety and security risks associated with data sharing should be considered in the EU data strategy and the future Data Act. Intellectual property rights should be respected and upheld in the EU data strategy and the future Data Act. The strategy also encourages experiments with data sharing mechanisms such as data trusts to further explore innovative ways of data management.

The adoption of the Data Governance Act in 2023, under the European Data Strategy framework, indicates the involvement of governmental and regulatory bodies in this process. This suggests a commitment to a data-driven future that is both innovative and responsible.

In conclusion, the European Strategy for Data represents a significant step towards a data-driven future for the EU. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and responsible data management, the EU aims to compete globally and create a society that is empowered by data.

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