From Complexity to Connectivity: How Data Spaces Enable Secure, Scalable Data Sharing in Industry

Exploring Industrial Data Innovation with Sebastian Opriel, CTO and Data Space Pioneer at sovity

For many companies in asset-intensive sectors, the idea of seamlessly exchanging data with partners across the value chain is becoming increasingly achievable. While technical challenges and data silos still exist, a new generation of technology built on the concept of data spaces is turning secure, cross-company collaboration into a practical reality.

Sebastian Opriel, co-founder and CTO of sovity, has been at the forefront of this development. With a background at the Fraunhofer Institute and the first PhD thesis ever written on data spaces, Opriel is uniquely positioned to translate the underlying technology into tangible benefits for industry. Ahead of his keynote and workshop at Asset Performance 2025, we spoke with him about the origins of sovity, the role of data spaces, and what technical managers need to understand to prepare for a data-driven future.

Enabling Data Sharing as a Service

“When I first started working with what was then called Industrial Data Space in 2016, the technology showed great promise, though it initially required deep expertise to implement,” Opriel explains. “Most companies didn’t have the resources to do this on their own. That’s why we founded sovity in 2021: to package all those components, connectors, catalogs, identity services, into an accessible solution.”

Sovity now offers both “data space as a service” and “connector as a service”, enabling organizations to onboard quickly and securely into decentralized data ecosystems. Opriel compares it to a smartphone: smartphone manufacturers like Apple or Samsung offer the hardware, sovity’s connector functions like the operating system, and the use cases are the apps.

Breaking Down the Silos

One persistent challenge in maintenance and asset management is the fragmentation of data across departments, systems, and companies. Opriel believes data spaces are the key to unlocking this value. “Traditional point-to-point data integrations are time-consuming and resource-intensive to scale,” he says. “Data spaces standardize and decentralize the process. Once connected, you can plug into the ecosystem and begin exchanging data with partners almost immediately.”

The connector plays a central role in this. It links internal data sources to the data space while maintaining control. Most current implementations use REST APIs, but sovity is expanding support to other protocols like Kafka and MQTT, enhancing adaptability. “You do your homework once,” Opriel notes, “and then you can share with trusted partners—securely and selectively.”

Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions

As interest continues to grow, Opriel sees it as a positive sign that more people are engaging with the concept of data spaces. However, he emphasizes the importance of understanding that realizing their full potential requires active management. “You need to define policies, enforce access controls, and ensure compliance,” he explains.

Another important point is the decentralized architecture. Unlike centralized supplier platforms, data spaces are peer-to-peer. “The data stays with the provider and the consumer,” says Opriel. “This significantly reduces systemic risk. In a data space, control and access are distributed, which enhances security.”

Scaling Use Cases and Building Interoperability

Sovity is also involved in large-scale European initiatives like the Sm4rtenance project, piloting industrial use cases across diverse technologies. According to Opriel, future challenges will center on interoperability and trusted identities. “We need common standards and verified digital identities to ensure that different data spaces can work together, just like cars can cross borders because they follow shared design principles.”

Why It Matters for Maintenance and Asset Managers

What can attendees of Asset Performance 2025 expect from Opriel’s presentation? “The message is clear,” he says. “To create value from your data, you must be able to share it securely and efficiently. Data spaces make that possible. It’s about more than technology; it’s about enabling new business models, improving responsiveness, and building resilience.”

Companies that embrace secure data sharing will position themselves at the forefront of digital transformation. “The ability to exchange data quickly and securely with partners is becoming a competitive differentiator,” Opriel notes. “Those who lead will enhance their business agility and future readiness.”

Workshop: A Hands-On Look at Data Spaces in Action

In addition to the keynote, Opriel will host a technical workshop focused on the architecture and practical deployment of data spaces. Participants will explore how connectors are implemented, how data sharing is configured, and what steps are involved in preparing an organization for this new model. No programming is required, but expect a deep dive into practical implementation.

“We want to demystify the technology,” says Opriel. “If you’re a data specialist or digitalization lead, this is your opportunity to understand what’s ahead and how to prepare.”

For technical managers navigating the intersection of data, operations, and innovation, Sebastian Opriel’s session at Asset Performance 2025 offers essential insights into how data spaces can drive efficiency and collaboration. Don’t miss the chance to learn from one of Europe’s leading experts on turning complexity into competitive advantage.

Sebastian Opriel,
CTO & Co-founder, sovity