LeOniDaS

Motivation

In 2023, the global data volume reached 126.32 zettabytes—twice as much as in 2020 and 25 times the volume of 2011. A significant share originates from the industrial sector, with around 80% of this data remaining unused. Key barriers include lacking interoperability, security concerns, and insufficient business models. The EU Data Act, in force since January 2024, establishes clear rules for data access and obliges manufacturers of connected products to provide usage data. While this creates new opportunities, it also entails new obligations. Gaia-X-based data and service ecosystems, such as Pontus-X, address these challenges by enabling secure, interoperable data exchange and unlocking new value creation opportunities. Nevertheless, low awareness, missing competencies, and complex onboarding processes—particularly for SMEs—continue to hinder participation.

Objectives

The objective of the LeOniDaS project is to promote the participation of SMEs in the Gaia-X-based data and service ecosystem Pontus-X. To this end, a regional interactive learning environment will be established at PTW, building on existing learning factories (TEC-Lab, FlowFactory) to provide hands-on knowledge and skills related to data space technologies. In addition, a web-based onboarding tool will be developed to support companies in the technical and organizational preparation, setup, and use of Pontus-X, reducing the associated effort by 30%. Target group-oriented transfer formats, such as workshops, open-house days, consultations, and multimedia content, will be used to disseminate knowledge, demonstrate value creation scenarios, and lower entry barriers. A comprehensive communication strategy, including online channels, events, trade fairs, and scientific publications, will increase the visibility of Pontus-X in the manufacturing industry. The effectiveness will be evaluated through surveys conducted at the beginning and end of the project.

Approach

The LeOniDaS project follows the V-model according to VDI/VDE 2206 and is divided into three phases: requirements, development, and transfer. In phase 1, the needs and requirements of industrial companies are determined through surveys in associated networks and transferred to requirements catalogs for an interactive learning environment and an onboarding tool. Phase 2 comprises the agile development of both solutions in parallel strands: The learning environment is built on the basis of existing PTW learning factories and equipped with practical value-added scenarios; the onboarding tool is developed as a user-friendly web solution to simplify access to Pontus-X and integrated into the learning environment. Phase 3 focuses on knowledge transfer and the visibility of Pontus-X through target group-specific formats such as workshops, open house days, consultations, and specialist lectures, supported by a comprehensive communication and advertising concept. All phases are accompanied by structured project management, which ensures coordination, documentation of results, and the continuation of the developed solutions.

Acknowledgement

This project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the funding line “Promoting a culture of cross-organizational and cross-sector data use in the research and innovation system through data trust models.” We are grateful for the opportunity to implement this project.

Funding source

Project sponsor

Consortiumpartner