Data Spaces as a Key to Transformation

In an increasingly interconnected world, data management is becoming a central challenge for companies – and at the same time one of their greatest opportunities. How can companies utilize their data more efficiently? How can they ensure that data exchange with other organizations is both secure and beneficial? The answer to these questions lies in so-called Data Spaces: sovereign data environments that enable the exchange of information under clearly defined rules.

Whether it’s about breaking down data silos, improving data quality, or using real-time data for more accurate predictions, the possibilities of the data economy are immense. One of the biggest obstacles on the path to digitalization is the existence of so-called data silos – isolated data sets that are difficult to access. Although companies collect large amounts of data, they often fail to fully leverage it because their data systems are not interconnected, and data exchange between departments, customers, and partners is lacking.

Data Spaces provide a secure framework for sharing data efficiently while ensuring data protection. This allows companies to:

• Improve data quality by accessing up-to-date, relevant data sources
• Optimize processes by making faster and more informed data-driven decisions
• Foster innovation by accessing new data that was previously unavailable
• Meet regulatory requirements, such as the upcoming EU Data Act

How Do nexyo and IT-Power Services Support Companies in the Transformation Process?

To fully leverage the potential of Data Spaces, more than just technology is required – a well-thought-out strategy is essential. This is where nexyo and IT-Power Services come into play:

1. Workshops

In customized workshops, experts work together with companies to develop a suitable Data Space strategy. The focus is on identifying concrete use cases and launching initial pilot projects.

2. Technologies

nexyo offers a platform that helps companies utilize Data Spaces easily and securely without having to build complex IT infrastructures on their own.

3.Tailored Strategies

Every company has different needs. Therefore, nexyo and IT-Power Services develop individual solutions that are precisely tailored to the specific industry and company size.

The Competitive Advantage Lies in Intelligent Data Exchange

Companies that not only collect data but also use it securely and intelligently gain a significant competitive advantage. Building and utilizing sovereign Data Spaces will become a key factor for innovation and efficiency across various industries in the coming years. nexyo and IT-Power Services support companies in actively shaping this new era of the data economy – with practical solutions and a focus on security and sovereignty. Because the true value of data lies in its intelligent use.

Anna Cossa

Project Manager, nexyo

wrote this contribution.
She can be reached here:

Der Beitrag nexyo and IT-Power Services in Conversation with Report Verlag erschien zuerst auf nexyo.

Particularly in the tourism sector, which thrives on constant innovation, it is essential to utilize data effectively. With “Data Services on Demand,” goodguys enables partner organizations to refine data strategically, laying the foundation for high-quality services.

What motivated you to use the nexyo DataHub? Was there a specific need or occasion?

We develop GenAI-based services and focus on the human-machine interface for the most natural communication possible. This naturally generates a large amount of data – both core application data and meta/accompanying data. These data volumes need to be shared with clients as well as with various project partners for further processing. Data privacy imposes particularly high demands on secure and verifiable data transfer. We opted for the forward-looking step of using a data exchange platform with authenticated users because we wanted to take proactive measures in light of the Data Act and the Data Governance Act.

What type of data do you exchange via the nexyo DataHub, and with which partners?

We exchange data with many partners who use our GenAI services – both from the tourism sector as well as with our corporate and governmental clients. Currently, we are working on a use case designed to generate “Data Services on Demand,” a service for data refinement specifically for authenticated members of the data ecosystem. This enhances the utility, quality, and target audience orientation of the data, enabling integrated services to be linked directly to the data, where previously a dedicated portal was required for exchange.

What is the purpose of the data exchange via the nexyo DataHub, and how frequently does it occur?

The exchange occurs either on an ad hoc basis or on a weekly/monthly schedule.

What challenges did you face in enabling data exchange, and how did you overcome them?

Initially, we focused on the straightforward aspects of user access, including authentication and integration with their own storage systems. Once a usable maturity level for users was achieved, it enabled an active exchange of both structured and unstructured data.

Were there any particular successes or “aha” moments that demonstrated the value the nexyo DataHub brings to you?

Once users understood the exchange process, they began exploring the provided interface. This exploration revealed a gap between the current system and their “ideal world,” making it possible to systematically incorporate features that real users desired. This “on-request” development, combined with the EU’s Data Act requirements, represents a promising evolution of usage possibilities, highlighting the democratization of data as a success compared to previous challenges. We are hopeful for many active participants in the context of Data Spaces as the functionality continues to expand!

What aspects of your collaboration with nexyo would you like to highlight or emphasize?

• Flexibility: nexyo responds to functional needs quickly and precisely.
• Service: nexyo consistently addresses issues in data exchange to avoid bottlenecks between data providers and consumers.
• Communication: Communication based on developer insights is vital for solution-oriented scenarios and is delivered accordingly.
• Innovation: We always require state-of-the-art technology for our GenAI services. nexyo is at the cutting edge of the (data) age, consistently delivering an adaptive timeline. This makes them the ideal partner for our journey into the world of GenAI!

Josef Füricht

Managing Director und Co-Owner of goodguys GmbH

has provided answers to our questions.
He can be reached at:

“As goodguys, we are proud to be among the first movers in the international data space landscape, offering pioneering services for data refinement. Our goal is to redefine the boundaries of what is possible – with cutting-edge AI/GenAI solutions and innovative products from our portfolio. With nexyo, we have found a partner who shares our vision of data democratization and keeps pace with the rapid advancements in AI technologies. Together, we are shaping the future of data-driven innovation.”

Der Beitrag The nexyo DataHub in Action: Data-Driven Innovations at goodguys erschien zuerst auf nexyo.

What is Value-based Engineering?

Value-based Engineering is a strategic thinking methodology designed to systematically integrate human values into the development process of data and AI systems. It bridges the gap between ethical guidelines, legal requirements, and practical system design, ensuring that the resulting technologies align with societal values and expectations.

How does VbE differ from traditional methodologies?

Traditional methodologies in IT and engineering often focus on functional requirements, efficiency, and technical performance. While these aspects are important, they often overlook the broader impact on human values and societal ethics. VbE, on the other hand, starts with an ethical value analysis, where the values relevant to stakeholders are identified and prioritized, and the potential impacts on these values are anticipated. This process ensures that ethical considerations are integrated from the concept phase through to implementation.

Key differences:

1. Ethical value analysis: VbE begins with a thorough analysis of the ethical values involved, including utilitarian, virtue ethics, and deontological perspectives.
2. Stakeholder-centered approach: It emphasizes the identification and inclusion of all relevant stakeholders to ensure that their values and expectations are considered and addressed.
3. Concrete system requirements: VbE translates abstract ethical principles into concrete system requirements, known as Ethical Value Requirements (EVRs), which guide the development process.
4. Proactive risk management: It anticipates and mitigates ethical risks early in the development process, rather than reacting to problems only after deployment.

What makes Value-based Engineering special?

VbE is uniquely positioned to address the critical issues that have historically caused many digital transformation projects to fail. Studies have shown that 2 out of 3 such projects do not achieve their intended goals, often due to a lack of alignment with stakeholder values and poor management of ethical risks. VbE tackles these challenges directly through its comprehensive and inclusive approach.

Key advantages of Value-based Engineering

1. Early risk identification and mitigation: By integrating ethical value analysis from the very beginning, VbE enables the early detection and mitigation of potential risks, ensuring that systems are designed to respect and promote human values.
2. Increased stakeholder trust and acceptance: Involving stakeholders throughout the process fosters trust and ensures that the developed systems align with their needs and values, leading to higher acceptance and long-term support.
3. Alignment with legal and ethical standards: VbE helps organizations ensure compliance with new regulations, such as the EU AI Act, by embedding ethical considerations into the design and deployment of AI systems.
4. Sustainable and future-proof design: The iterative nature of VbE allows for continuous improvements and adjustments, ensuring that systems remain relevant and responsible in the long term.

Why is VbE so important for IT consultants?

For IT consultants, VbE is indispensable because it provides the ability to translate stakeholders’ value expectations into concrete system requirements. This ensures that data and AI projects not only meet technical specifications but also align with the ethical and societal values of the involved stakeholders. Here’s why VbE is particularly important:

1. Concrete value expectation assessment: VbE provides a structured methodology for identifying and prioritizing stakeholder values and translates these into actionable requirements that guide system design and implementation.
2. Comprehensive risk management: Consultants can leverage VbE to conduct thorough risk analyses, identifying potential ethical issues early and taking measures to mitigate them.
3. Strategic advantage: By adopting VbE, IT consultants can differentiate themselves by offering a methodology that ensures ethical compliance and stakeholder satisfaction, thereby increasing the likelihood of project success.
4. Enhanced client relationships: VbE’s stakeholder-centered approach fosters stronger client relationships by demonstrating a commitment to their values and long-term success.

From Digital Humanism to Value-based Data and AI projects

VbE embodies the principles of Digital Humanism by placing people at the center of technological progress. It operationalizes these principles through a structured process that ensures AI systems are designed and deployed in a way that respects and promotes human values.

In a global pioneering effort, Sophisticated Simplicity, in collaboration with Austrian Standards, has developed a training program for the Value-based Engineering methodology. This program enables IT professionals, consultants, and executives to learn the methodology as an internationally recognized certified competence profile.

Pioneering project: datahub.tirol

As the world’s first business model to do so, datahub.tirol, guided by Sabine Singer and Veronika Bauer from Sophisticated Simplicity, has firmly embedded VbE in its strategic work and business model. Additionally, together with key stakeholders, they completed the Value-based Engineering competence training. nexyo’s product manager, Elias Lanbach, who, along with his team, is responsible for the technical implementation of the datahub.tirol project, is now among the world’s first Value-based Engineering Ambassadors following the joint methodology training initiated and conducted by Sophisticated Simplicity. He now possesses internationally recognized expertise in developing sustainable and ethically valuable data and AI projects.

Steps in the VbE Process:

1. Concept and context exploration: Understanding the operational context and the stakeholder landscape to identify value expectations and potential impacts.
2. Collection and prioritization of ethical values: Gathering and prioritizing stakeholders’ ethical values using established ethical theories.
3. Definition of Ethical Value Requirements (EVRs): Translating the prioritized values into specific, actionable system requirements.
4. Risk-based design: Conducting a thorough risk analysis to identify and address potential ethical risks, ensuring that the system adheres to the defined EVRs.
5. Transparency management: Developing a communication strategy to proactively and clearly explain decisions regarding the implementation of ethically-based functionalities in the system.

Conclusion

Value-based Engineering is more than just a methodology; it represents a paradigm shift in how we approach the design and implementation of data and AI projects. By systematically integrating ethical considerations into every phase of the project lifecycle, VbE ensures that digital transformation initiatives are not only technically successful but also ethically grounded and aligned with the values of all stakeholders.

For IT consultants and organizations, adopting VbE signifies a commitment to a future where technology serves humanity in the most valuable and meaningful ways. It is an essential strategy for navigating the complex ethical landscape of AI development and ensuring that the transformative power of technology benefits everyone.

Embrace Value-based Engineering and be at the forefront of ethical IT innovation.

For more information on how Value-based Engineering can transform your AI projects, visit Sophisticated Simplicity.

Sabine Singer, MBA

Founder & CEO, Sophisticated Simplicity

wrote this guest contribution.
She can be reached here:

Der Beitrag Value-based Engineering: A Strategic Methodology for Successful Data and AI Projects erschien zuerst auf nexyo.

The dTS | data-driven Tourism for Sustainability project aims to promote sustainable and resilient regional tourism in Austria through the use of AI and agent-based modeling/simulation.

What is the goal of the project?

The dTS project focuses on the intelligent use of data for the future-oriented development of tourism regions from a digital sustainability perspective. The aim is to overcome ecological, economic, and social challenges in the field of regional tourism. The main objective of the project is to contribute to resilient and sustainable regional tourism in Austria through the combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and agent-based modeling/simulation, specifically using the example of visitor management.

… huh? … sorry… agent-based what?

Agent-based modeling/simulation is a method used to simulate complex systems by breaking these systems down into individual “agents.” An agent is an autonomous entity that makes independent decisions, similar to a human or other living being in the real world

In the dTS project, tourists are regarded as agents. Each of these agents (i.e. each tourist) has certain characteristics and rules of behavior. For example, agents might have preferences for certain sights, a preferred way of getting around or a certain reaction to crowds.

A simulation runs as follows:

1. creating agents: Many such tourist agents are created in the simulation, each with their own individual preferences and behavior patterns.
2. define the environment: These agents move around in a simulated environment that replicates a real tourist region, such as the city of Salzburg. This environment contains sights, streets, public transportation and other relevant elements.
3. interaction and decision-making: Agents interact with their environment and make decisions based on the rules assigned to them. For example, an agent might decide to avoid a crowded attraction and go to a less crowded attraction instead.
4. simulation of scenarios: The simulation makes it possible to run through various scenarios, such as the behavior of tourists on a busy day or the effects of a new traffic routing. This makes it possible to observe how the agents behave in these scenarios and what patterns emerge.
5. analyze the results: By analyzing the results of these simulations, valuable insights can be gained, such as the best ways to manage visitor flows and avoid congestion. This contributes to the development of strategies to make tourism more sustainable and efficient.

… and how exactly do you do that in this project?

In the dTS project, data from various sources is collected and analyzed in order to develop a deep understanding of the behavior and movements of tourists. This data comes from the Salzburg Card or parking garages, for example, and is then merged.

Then the data is used to train an artificial intelligence that can make predictions about the behavior of tourists. These predictions are used to carry out simulations in which various scenarios are played out. For example, it is possible to test how tourist flows change if certain measures are taken, such as directing visitors to less crowded attractions.

Who is in?

So what’s nexyo’s task in this project?

nexyo provides the technical infrastructure for data management. In concrete terms, this means that nexyo ensures that the collected data is processed effectively and securely. The platform that nexyo develops makes it possible for all participating organizations to make their data accessible to others. This also allows artificial intelligence to use this data and allows predictions and simulations to be made, which then serve as the basis for managing tourist flows. nexyo ensures that its system is not only technically efficient, but also fair and transparent, which means that all parties involved can determine who has received their data and under what conditions.

Is there any way I can find out more about this?

It’s best to listen to the podcast about the project. You can find it under this link (in German).

The project is sponsored by

Elias Lanbach

Product Manager, nexyo

wrote this contribution.
He can be reached here:

Der Beitrag dTS | data-driven Tourism for Sustainabiliy erschien zuerst auf nexyo.

IMAGINE … the event

But let’s imagine together…

IMAGINE 2024 is a leading event in Austria focused on digital and key technologies. Organized by the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology (BMK) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), the conference provides a platform for the exchange and presentation of innovative projects and research results. Through our pioneering role in the field of Data Spaces, nexyo is part of several research projects exploring new applications of Data Space technologies. nexyo is also part of the consortium of the champI4.0ns project, which aims to evaluate the use of Data Spaces for the digital product pass in the wood industry.

IMAGINE … a stage

Before attendees took their seats in the BMK ballroom, they passed by nexyo’s booth. There, all interested parties could try out the nexyo Hub and discuss the software technology and potential applications with Elias.

The program of IMAGINE 2024 was diverse and aimed at promoting digital and key technologies. At the heart of the first part of IMAGINE, and in the center of the BMK ballroom, was a stage where IMAGINE was ceremoniously opened.

A central point was “Digital Technologies – intelligent, green, and sovereign into the future,” where successful research projects from recent years were presented. These projects highlighted the importance of digital technologies for a sustainable future and showcased their potential. Here, nexyo’s very own Natascha Totzler and Günther Tschabuschnig from the Data Intelligence Offensive (DIO) presented their approaches to creating decentralized, cross-company Data Spaces.

IMAGINE … water

The stage in the BMK ballroom had a special feature: it rotated. This fact and the uniform design of the ballroom caused some confusion for the speakers, who often took a few seconds and some confused looks to find their seat after leaving the stage. We suspected that the stage served as the first test of the speakers’ seaworthiness because in the afternoon, the program continued on the water.

The second part of IMAGINE took place on the ship Vindobona during the cruise. Under the motto “Converging Realities: New Ways into the Future,” six workshops were held. One of the first workshops was designed by nexyo. In “Data Spaces up close – from concept to application,” Use Case 1 of the champI4.0ns project demonstrated how and with what data a digital product pass can be mapped in Data Spaces.

Participants were divided into four groups, each representing a business in the supply chain – a wood company, a sawmill, a carpentry shop, and a furniture company. Each group had access to a standalone nexyo Hub to provide the product pass with the correct data.

IMAGINE … a win

After docking the Vindobona, the conclusion of IMAGINE took place with drinks and football on the Badeschiff. Due to the presence of iSHARE, a Dutch delegation was also present at IMAGINE, providing the perfect stage for a passionate but friendly grand finale – a match between Austria and the Netherlands that was as successful as the 10th anniversary of IMAGINE (at least from an Austrian perspective ).

Elias Lanbach

Product Manager, nexyo

wrote this contribution.
He can be reached here:

Der Beitrag IMAGINE 2024 erschien zuerst auf nexyo.

Holistic, Peace, and Openness

The opening was spectacular. An until now unknown violinist (we are continuing our research; any information can be sent to info@nexyo.io) started the day with her electric violin. Following the musical fireworks, there were speeches by State Secretary Susanne Kraus-Winkler, Robert Seeber, Federal Chairman for Tourism and Leisure Industry, and Astrid Steharnig-Staudinger, CEO of the Austrian National Tourist Office. They emphasized the importance of a holistic and interconnected approach in tourism, highlighted tourism as a peace project, and called for peace and openness. The program was moderated by Katharina Moser.

The Future Today at the Austrian Tourism Day

All participants of the Austrian Tourism Day were invited to spend a day in the future. To drive innovation, designer and keynote speaker Stefan Sagmeister first equipped us with techniques for generating ideas. Alongside Tony Buzan’s Mind Map method, he also recommended Edward de Bono’s technique. This approach involves starting with something entirely unrelated to the actual task. For example, if you want to develop a new stool design, you should start with a camera, a glass, etc., rather than with a stool. This forces the energy-efficient and therefore lazy brain to form new synapses and be creative.

Olivér Csendes, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer of the Austrian National Tourist Office and soon-to-be CEO of the Hungarian Tourism Agency (brand name: Visit Hungary), presented the Zukunftsmap (Future Map). With the AI assistance of KIARA, this map guided us through the most important megatrends in tourism such as connectivity, new work, individualization, neo-ecology, and mobility. We also learned about new trends like coopetition (megatrend new work). As the name suggests, it combines competition and cooperation. Competing companies collaborate to gain competitive advantages together, creating a win-win situation.

Let’s connect

By participating in the “Game for Our Future,” we actively contributed to shaping the future of the tourism sector and gained informative insights into the potential development of the industry. To learn from the success stories of others, the somewhat different annual report, Never-Ending Success Stories, was presented. Additionally, the event featured the presentation of the Data App Austria by the Austrian National Tourist Office and our sister company emprium, which provides data-driven insights. The event also marked the launch of Change Tourism Austria (CTA), a platform designed for networking and innovation, inviting everyone to sustainably shape tourism together. According to Astrid Steharnig Staudinger, it aims to be the TikTok for tourism, but with more hackathons and less dancing.

Further Takeaways from the Austrian Tourism Day

• During the “Game for Our Future,” we learned that the majority of participants are willing to share anonymized guest data – mutually and free of charge.

• Creativity methods should be integrated into daily life like brushing your teeth. It’s best to start today!

• “Everybody who is honest is interesting.” is a quote often attributed to Stefan Sagmeister, but it actually comes from Quentin Crisp, a British eccentric, author, and entertainer.

• Ever heard of the term OMline? Neither had we before the event. OMline stands for digital mindfulness with the goal of using the internet more mindfully.

In this spirit, let’s use OMline time to develop innovative ideas and successfully shape a sustainable future!

#OeTT24 #FahrplanZukunft #RoadmapFuture #ÖsterreichWerbung #AustrianTourism #nexyo #emprium

Anna Cossa

Project Manager, nexyo

wrote this contribution.
She can be reached here:

Der Beitrag At the Austrian Tourism Day 2024 with nexyo erschien zuerst auf nexyo.