Mobility Data Space

The data marketplace for the mobility sector

The Mobility Data Space (MDS) is a data marketplace where equal partners from the mobility sector can exchange data. The data provider remains the owner of the data at all times and can autonomously decide whether and with which participant to enter into data exchange. The goal is to create a cross-company data economy in order to realize and further develop innovative, environmentally and user-friendly mobility concepts. In doing so, the MDS brings together companies, organizations and institutions: those that want to monetize their data treasures and those that need data for innovative mobility solutions, but in many cases also to create a win-win situation for mutual benefit through a targeted exchange. For this purpose, the MDS creates the framework for a trusting cooperation.


Foundation and mission

With the objective of making mobility safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly, the MDS is funded by the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV) and is therefore a neutral and trustworthy partner to pave the way for a networked and secure data infrastructure in Europe that complies with European values such as data protection, data sovereignty and interoperability.

The responsible body of the Mobility Data Space is the non-profit organization DRM Datenraum Mobilität GmbH, which emerged from a project by the acatech Foundation.


Operation and data protection

The MDS is based on a dataprotection-friendly approach that aims to facilitate data exchange between partners without the MDS or any third party storing or analyzing the data. Only the data description (metadata) is made available to all participants. Data is transferred directly between partners via the EDC connector, which means that data sovereignty remains with the partners involved. Decentralized data storage is made possible in this way. In addition, the MDS now offers Connector-as-a-Service (CaaS), a browser-based service from MDS partners that participants can use on demand.

By the end of 2024, the MDS will be fully linked to the Mobilithek, the platform for exchanging digital information, primarily from the public sector.

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MDS Offer

Data exchange, expertise and a diverse community:
this is how members benefit

Extensive offering

In the Mobility Data Space, members have access to a wide range of data sets from different areas of the mobility sector. From traffic and environmental data to insurance data, the data catalogue offers a diverse selection. 

Data providers and users united

The Mobility Data Space connects those who offer data with those who need it to develop new business models - simply, transparently and with full added value for both sides. Providers retain data sovereignty at all times and decide who can use the data and for what purpose.

Interact with industry experts

The Data Sharing Community brings together experts from start-ups, SMEs, public transport, local authorities, government and academia. Members benefit not only from direct access to relevant contacts, but also from numerous exclusive working groups, networking and information events.

Navigation app in a car - text module in round tile: The data sharing community for mobility pioneersNavigation app in a car - text module in round tile: The data sharing community for mobility pioneers
ICE in an underground station with passersby - text module in round tile: We enable sustainable mobility solutionsICE in an underground station with passersby - text module in round tile: We enable sustainable mobility solutions
Woman sitting in control room in a video studio - text module in round tile: An ecosystem of mobility and data expertsWoman sitting in control room in a video studio - text module in round tile: An ecosystem of mobility and data experts
Two people talking in a video studio - text module in round tile: Success through cooperation: fair, equal, safeTwo people talking in a video studio - text module in round tile: Success through cooperation: fair, equal, safe
White bus driving on an open road through green landscape - text module in round tile: easy access and transparent rulesWhite bus driving on an open road through green landscape - text module in round tile: easy access and transparent rules
Navigation system in a car - text module in round tile: Easy access and transparent rulesNavigation system in a car - text module in round tile: Easy access and transparent rules
Woman with cell phone in hand at a bikesharing station - text module in round tile: data room for tomorrow's mobilityWoman with cell phone in hand at a bikesharing station - text module in round tile: data room for tomorrow's mobility

Path to the MDS

Simple, transparent and compatible:
this is how access to the Mobility Data Space works

Become a member

Get in touch with us using our contact details or the contact form. We will inform you and send you a membership contract. Once signed, you will become part of our Data Sharing Community.

Technical connection

Set up the IT interface to provide the foundation for data delivery and consumption. The configuration of the EDC Connector is easily documented on GitHub. You can also use the Connector-as-a-Service (CaaS) and access the data offering via a browser.

Offer and purchase data

Become a data provider and add your data information to our catalogue or search for attractive offers from other members. Security is our top priority and data sovereignty is guaranteed at all times. For a sample contract for the purchase of data products (also outside the MDS), please contact our Community Team at community@mobility-dataspace.eu.

Leverage the network

Benefit from the diversity of our community and network through working groups and events. Meet face-to-face with relevant contacts, discover exciting opportunities to collaborate and exchange ideas with industry experts on the latest mobility developments.

Become a member

Get in touch with us using our contact details or the contact form. We will inform you and send you a membership contract. Once signed, you will become part of our Data Sharing Community.

Technical connection

Set up the IT interface to provide the foundation for data delivery and consumption. The configuration of the EDC Connector is easily documented on GitHub. You can also use the Connector-as-a-Service (CaaS) and access the data offering via a browser.

Offer and purchase data

Become a data provider and add your data information to our catalogue or search for attractive offers from other members. Security is our top priority and data sovereignty is guaranteed at all times. For a sample contract for the purchase of data products (also outside the MDS), please contact our Community Team at community@mobility-dataspace.eu.

Leverage the network

Benefit from the diversity of our community and network through working groups and events. Meet face-to-face with relevant contacts, discover exciting opportunities to collaborate and exchange ideas with industry experts on the latest mobility developments.

MDS Fact Sheet

Company purpose

  • The Mobility Data Space is a virtual marketplace for the exchange of mobility data (B2B and B2G).
  • For this purpose, the MDS provides a data catalogue for searching data offers and an infrastructure for decentralised data exchange.
  • Providers and purchasers decide for themselves at any time who can acquire their data, for what purpose and at what price.


Governance
  
The Mobility Data Space is supported by Datenraum Mobilität GmbH, a non-profit company funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV).


Shareholders
  
acatech Foundation ● BMW ● Federal States Bayern, Baden-Württemberg and NRW ● Caruso ● Deutsche Bahn ● DHL Group ● HERE ● HUK Coburg ● Mercedes-Benz ● VDV eTicket GmbH ● Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft


Members

Approx. 150+ (as of end of April 2024); in addition to shareholders, among others.

  • Mobility service providers (e.g. Bolt, FreeNow, ADAC)
  • Authorities/government-related companies (e.g. DWD, Autobahn GmbH)
  • Communities (e.g. Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg)
  • Public transportation companies (e.g., Hamburger Hochbahn)
  • Mobile network providers (e.g. Vodafone)
  • Energy sector (e.g. e.on, TenneT)
  • Research institutions (e.g. Fraunhofer, KIT)
     

Mode of operation

  • In the MDS data catalog, participants offer data or search for the data sets they need.
  • The data remains with the provider. The MDS does not host any data. Data exchange is peer-to-peer, without the raw data reaching the MDS. 
  • Placing a data offer in the catalog does not bind the providers. They decide in each individual case whether to sell the data to the interested party.
  • All participants in the MDS network install a connector through which the data transfer takes place. This reduces transaction costs in use cases with multiple participants or business relationships with multiple participants.
  • All participants are authenticated using a secure procedure.
  • The MDS provides sample clauses to simplify contract negotiations. Automated payment processing is also envisaged in the future.
  • The MDS uses the EDC connector (industry standard) and additionally offers the CaaS - Connector-as-a-Service.
  • The MDS supports the participants in the search for partners or in the development of use cases.
     

Click here to download the Mobility Data Space – Fact Sheet.

Data Spaces

Definition and objectives of data spaces in Europe

Data spaces are flexible and open IT infrastructures that enable trustful and transparent use of decentrally organised data according to previously defined scopes of use while guaranteeing the full sovereignty of the actors involved. They are based on a federal organisational principle.
 
Data spaces create equal framework conditions for the sovereign exchange of data. This also means that every actor can benefit from the use of the data in the same way.

The MDS is a pioneering data space in Europe for the mobility sector. Thanks to its technical architecture, the MDS guarantees not only transparent and secure data exchange, but also international interoperability with other data spaces.

Objectives

Value creation

New data-based applications, business models and collaboration.

Self-determination

Control over the subject matter, scope, duration and actors in the context of data sharing.

Efficiency

Data exchange takes place exclusively for a specific purpose.

Features

Decentralisation
Centralised structures are avoided in favour of decentralised solutions.

Federation and interoperability
Interaction of actors within a data space as well as across data space is promoted.

Sovereignty
Control over one's own data and its use is always guaranteed.

Trust
Technologies, control mechanisms and unique digital identities contribute to building trust. High data quality also promotes trust.

Transparency
Digital identities and the traceability of data-based operations promote transparency.


Click here to download the factsheets Data Spaces.

Mission KI: artificial Intelligence for Innovative Mobility Solutions

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Give us your permission by an additional click and we will gladly provide this content. We would also like to point out that we cannot rule out the possibility that the data collected may be transferred to countries outside the European Union, in particular to the USA. There is no adequacy decision by the European Commission for the USA. We have concluded so-called standard contractual clauses with Google LLC/LinkedIn Corporation/ Twitter Inc. Further information hereto can be found in our Privacy policy under „Cookies“.

Intermodal mobility, traffic management or autonomous driving: Artificial intelligence can enable new solutions and applications in many areas of mobility. Efficient data exchange accelerates the development of such applications. Data spaces such as the Mobility Data Space provide an ideal platform for providing and using relevant information.

Find out more about Mission AI here.