“GAIA-X will have an immense impact on Europe’s economic future”, remarks Lars Nagel, CEO of IDSA. “The association is doing pioneering work in the field of data infrastructure and digital ecosystems. Tackling the data sovereignty challenge is key. We are contributing our expertise and experience with IDS, which will be a central part of the GAIA-X architecture.”

While final incorporation is pending, the founding members of GAIA-X AISBL are seeking active participation and membership from national and multi-national companies, as well as partners in the worlds of science and politics, who share European standards and values. The association views its members as the primary drivers of progress and innovation, working closely together to define standards and prototype implementations from both provider and user perspectives.

The GAIA-X founders aim to establish a culture of trust, knowledge exchange and transparency. They anticipate that as the association’s membership grows, it will be able to have an increasing impact on innovation and collaboration in the development of technical solutions and standards for business, science and society across Europe. GAIA-X AISBL will set-up its head office in Brussels and establish key organizational structures. Planning is also underway for the GAIA-X Summit, scheduled for mid-November 2020.

It is going to be a very busy fall for the International Data Spaces Association as well. A series of stakeholder events, workshops and forums on data sovereignty are on the calendar and the IDS certification will become available. Information and dates can be found at the IDSA website and on the association’s social media channels.