Urban data spaces are essential for the future of the data economy

December 05, 2025

DESCRIPCIÓN

Urban data spaces are emerging as a strategic driver for enabling the data economy to reach and surpass 4% of GDP, according to a recent analysis published by the specialist outlet El Economista. At a time when cities concentrate an increasing share of economic, social, and technological activity, opening and structuring urban data in a secure and well-governed manner allows this vast volume of information to be transformed into real value.

For urban environments, the potential of data spaces is immense: information related to traffic, public transport, air quality, land use, demographics, or consumption patterns enables cities to anticipate needs, improve service efficiency, plan sustainable growth, optimise resources, and ultimately offer better services to citizens.

Recent estimates indicate that the data economy already represents around 4% of GDP, and its weight could grow significantly through the implementation of these urban data spaces. This expansion, driven by digitalisation, interoperability, and the adoption of solid governance frameworks, positions data as a key asset for competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability in cities.

Furthermore, the creation of urban data spaces fosters a more collaborative and integrated model: it enables public and private actors to jointly generate value, enhances evidence-based decision-making, improves operational efficiency, and opens the door to new value-added services for citizens and businesses alike.

However, several challenges remain for the data economy to fully develop. For urban data spaces to deliver on their promise, it is not enough to simply accumulate data: robust technical infrastructures, clear governance rules, inclusive participation models, and a strong commitment to interoperability, security, and privacy standards are essential.

In addition, progress requires boosting public-private collaboration, securing resources for real implementation, and cultivating a data-driven culture that unlocks their full transformative capacity. When these elements come together, cities can evolve from being mere consumers of data to becoming generators of economic, social, and environmental value, driving a stronger, more equitable, and more sustainable data economy.

At BAIDATA, we will continue supporting the development and adoption of urban data spaces, reinforcing our commitment to a more interoperable, collaborative, and value-creating digital ecosystem. If you are not yet a member, you can learn more about the services we offer here. We look forward to welcoming you!