On July 17, 2025, theSpecification UNE 0087 “Definition and characterization of Data Spaces”, the first Spanish standard that establishes a common framework for these digital environments.
This milestone has been possible thanks to the collaboration of the Data Space Reference Center (CRED) with the Spanish Association for Standardization (UNE). This regulation, which was approved on June 20, 2025, defines three key pillars in the adherence to data spaces: interoperability, governance and value creation, with the aim of offering legal certainty, trust and a common technical language to the data economy.
To create them, three working groups have been formed with more than 50 participants from both public and private entities who have contributed their knowledge to define the principles and key characteristics of these collaborative systems. These working groups have been coordinated as follows:
- GT1: Definition of Data Spaces and Maturity Model.
- GT2: Technical and Semantic Interoperability.
- GT3: Legal and organizational interoperability.
The publication of this regulation therefore constitutes a reference document for the creation of secure and reliable data spaces, applicable to all productive sectors and serving as a basis for future guide documents.
In this way, to offer guidelines that facilitate the implementation and development of data spaces, the UNE 0087:2025 specification was born to create an inclusive reference framework that guides organizations and allows them to take advantage of all information in an environment of regulatory compliance and digital sovereignty. The publication of this regulation has a series of benefits:
- Accelerate the deployment of data spaces in all sectors of the economy.
- Promote the sustainability and scaling/growth of data sharing ecosystems.
- Promote public/private collaboration, ensuring convergence with Europe.
- Moving towards technological autonomy and data sovereignty in ecosystems.
- Promote the discovery of new innovative business opportunities by encouraging collaboration and the creation of strategic alliances.
The specification defines what data spaces are, establishes their key characteristics of interoperability, governance and value generation and determines which ones with the benefits of your membership. The specification is published here and it is important to add that, although a download cost appears, it is free, thanks to the sponsorship of the Directorate General of Data.
With this tool, Spain is taking a firm step in consolidating cohesive, secure data spaces aligned with the European framework, facilitating the implementation of cross-cutting projects across different sectors.
Although the UNE Specification 0087:2025 representa a firm step towards the consolidation of secure and interoperable data spaces, it must be borne in mind that these environments are still in a experimental phaseIts practical application is in the process of maturing and progressive deployment.
In this context, from the AOC contemplates, as part of the future strategy, linked to the birth of the Smart Local Government Network, The creation of a local world data spaceThis initiative would allow sharing and reusing information between local administrations, promoting transparència, collaboration and the generation of public value. Although it is not yet in the implementation phase, it is considered a relevant strategic line for the digital development of the local public sector.
