# Business Model

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**Note:** This page is currently being updated to align with the DSSC Blueprint 3.0 as well as the iSHARE Framework 3.0. An updated version will be published soon.
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A well-considered business model is key to sustaining a data space, even when profit isn’t the primary objective. While iSHARE does not prescribe a specific business model, we encourage each data space initiative to explore how value can be created, sustained, and fairly distributed among all participants.

The DSSC Blueprint 3.0 describes that many data spaces aim to fund strategic initiatives, such as improving interoperability, launching collaborative tools, or offering participant support services, rather than chasing revenue alone. It also places more emphasis on clarifying the value proposition of the data space and on how the business model may evolve as the initiative grows.

They suggest that a solid business model makes this possible by providing structure to financial flows, value exchange, and collective benefits.

<figure><img src="https://3616791469-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FjHLUr2NWnUxvFTGYU4AT%2Fuploads%2Flgr5mlOuMdW2rVDojFAk%2FScreenshot%202025-11-07%20111257.png?alt=media&#x26;token=90004b7c-f1a5-4c09-9ac4-462373743211" alt=""><figcaption><p><sup>Figure 3. Business Model as Enabler of Value Creation.</sup></p></figcaption></figure>

The core value of a data space lies in reducing fragmentation and lowering the costs of connecting systems and organisations. By aligning on shared standards and agreements, data spaces make data sharing more accessible, repeatable, and secure, which in turn supports innovation. This value should also be clear for participants, showing how they can retain full control over their data, while benefiting from simplified, trusted, and reusable data exchange across diverse use cases.

Unlike traditional businesses, a data space relies on multiple independent actors working together toward shared goals. This means the business model must support collaborative governance and avoid centralisation of power. The goal is not just sustainability, but mutual benefit, across both data providers and users, as well as service providers.

Developing such a model requires thoughtful coordination and should be made in conjunction with decisions about governance, participation, and value creation.&#x20;

It is also important to consider how the model can grow over time. Regular review and adaptation help support sustainability, respond to participants' needs, and identify new value opportunities, including how funding, support, or revenue mechanisms may evolve as the data space reaches broader adoption, for example, through membership services, transaction-based, public funding, or mixed models.

Each building block of your data space is interconnected, and designing with that in mind will help the business model become a foundation for long-term success.

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The complete DSSC description is available [here](https://blueprint.dssc.eu/?pane=business\&intro=blueprint-in-the-broader-context\&f%5BblueprintVersion%5D=v3.0\&business=business-model#DataSpaceOfferings).
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Business Model connects closely with other building blocks:

* **Use Case Development:** Defines participant needs and groups.
* **Data Space Offerings:** Shows what data is available and how it can be used.
* **Intermediaries and Operators:** Help data providers and recipients engage with the data space.
* **Organisational Form and Governance Authority:** Sets rules and coordinates participants.
* **Participation Management:** Manages stakeholders and processes across the system.
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The guiding questions can help in the co-creation process and in defining this building block, so please see the next section.&#x20;
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