Research project DjustConnect Dataspace for the Flemish agri-food sector

General introduction

How can DjustConnect provide a more flexible response to the many technologies coexisting in the data sharing world? In this project, the data sharing platform for the (Flemish) agri-food chains will develop much more interoperability, both between the different technologies as well as with DjustConnect. This interoperability avoids that companies need to implement multiple technologies on their own to share their data with (new) chain partners as these may have chosen a different technological solution for their data. The goal? That each data-sharing company can simply plug in with its own system using a (to be built) multifunctional socket on the data-sharing platform Djustconnect.
The Flemish smart specialization strategy and the European data strategy encourage data-driven innovation, through, among other things, the development of a Common European Agricultural Data Space (CEADS). However, the steps toward this data space bring a wave of new data space technologies, each with its own advantages such as performance, ease of use and flexibility.

Research approach

DjustConnect is being further developed into a Flemish Agrifood dataspace. The ERDF project Datahub for Agrofood is about expanding the technical infrastructure, with additional dataspace technologies. This includes new connectors and converters for interoperability, additional identification and login capabilities and options to publish data machine-readable in external data marketplaces. for example, in the context of mandated specifications or sustainability reports.

Relevance/Valorization

Co-creation with the Flemish target companies ensures that the developments meet the needs of the companies without raising (technical) barriers. The work on the ILVO network and the broader partnership around this project ensure the development of a data space in accordance with the new EU Data legislation. This is done with respect for Flemish farmers and horticulturists and the agreement framework and guidelines of the Flemish Smart Data Space (VSDS) and Common European AgriDataSpace (CEADS). The DjustConnect data space will be made available to the sector as an open innovation platform. The plan is to widely communicate and demonstrate the possibilities, using a recognizable showcase called "the agricultural sustainability passport". In this way, all Flemish companies (from farmers to retail) in the DjustConnect ecosystem get access to a local data space and to the additional data valorization potential within Flanders and Europe.

Data-driven innovations accelerate the sustainable, climate-friendly and cost-efficient transition of the agriculture and food sector. Cooperation and sharing of produced data throughout the chain, from farmer to plate, are crucial for this. DjustConnect, the data sharing platform for the agri-food sector, supports this data sharing by providing infrastructure and tools that allow farmers, horticulturists and companies further down the chain to share their data securely and efficiently.

Financing

Europees Fonds voor Regionale Ontwikkeling (EFRO)