Data Spaces for Heterogeneous Data Ecosystems – Findings from a Design Study in the Cultural Sector

Authors

• Philipp zur Heiden, Paderborn UniversityFollow
• Haya Halimeh, Paderborn University
• Philipp Hansmeier, Paderborn University
• Christian Vorbohle, Paderborn University
• Maike Althaus, Paderborn University
• Daniel Beverungen, Paderborn University
• Dennis Kundisch, Paderborn University
• Oliver Müller, Paderborn University

Author ORCID Identifier

Philipp zur Heiden: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8233-7791

Haya Halimeh: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2360-9980

Philipp Hansmeier: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0030-2621

Christian Vorbohle: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8006-823X

Maike Althaus: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8563-4330

Daniel Beverungen: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4216-3276

Dennis Kundisch: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2078-7221

Oliver Müller: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0369-1607

Abstract

Data spaces are emerging as pivotal data ecosystems that uphold European values, including data sovereignty, privacy, and democracy. While their theoretical underpinnings are increasingly discussed, practical applications and prototypes are in their nascent stages. This study reports on the design of a data space in the cultural sector, characterized by particularly heterogeneous actors that vary in size, structure, digital maturity, and technical capabilities. We present the design and qualitative evaluation of two foundational artifacts for a data space—a network architecture and a data exchange standard—that reconcile the need for interoperability with the heterogeneous capabilities of actors. In a phase of reflection and learning, we develop a new design principle as prescriptive knowledge on data spaces: Data spaces should be designed to include heterogeneous actors by simplifying participation and lowering entry barriers, ensuring fair access regardless of their size, resources, or technical capabilities. Through this data space, these heterogeneous actors can share digital public goods, such as cultural event data, and digital private goods, including digital cultural assets. Our results contribute to the emerging discourse on data spaces by offering design knowledge on data ecosystems that promote European digital values and foster sustainable innovation.

Recommended Citation

zur Heiden, P., Halimeh, H., Hansmeier, P., Vorbohle, C., Althaus, M., Beverungen, D., Kundisch, D., & Müller, O. (In press). Data Spaces for Heterogeneous Data Ecosystems – Findings from a Design Study in the Cultural Sector. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 58, pp-pp. Retrieved from https://aisel.aisnet.org/cais/vol58/iss1/83