ETSI aims to address the challenges of modern data ecosystems in the IoT sector and beyond with its latest technical committee.
The new Technical Committee on Data Solutions (TC DATA) will develop cutting-edge standards and infrastructures that will enhance data sharing practices.
As data volumes skyrocket and the number of IoT devices connected worldwide continues to grow exponentially, the need for robust solutions fostering data interoperability becomes crucial.
TC DATA reflects ETSI’s commitment to keeping pace with technological advancements while addressing key societal concerns related to data privacy, security, and ethical use.
Driving data interoperability and transparency
One of TC DATA’s key objectives is to deliver technical standards that support both data interoperability and semantic interoperability. These efforts will enable seamless communication between systems, services, and networks.
David Boswarthick, Director of Strategy and Innovation at ETSI, said: “The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning means we have reached a tipping point where data access through open and transparent frameworks is now more important than ever before.
“The TC DATA is an important initiative designed to balance the technical needs of data interactions in a way that is also respectful of legal, ethical, and individual rights. Global collaboration is critical to develop standards that will enable data sharing that has reliability, privacy and security at its core.”
With the proliferation of AI-driven applications, including agentic AI systems that operate on their own accord, data interaction patterns are becoming increasingly complex. This complexity underscores the need for open infrastructures that can accommodate diverse and large-scale data-sharing requirements.
TC DATA will address several fundamental challenges, such as data representation, accessibility, consistency, and privacy preservation.
Pioneering standards for distributed data management
A primary focus for TC DATA is creating technical specifications and infrastructures that support the collection, sharing, and management of distributed data.
Frameworks like ETSI is developing are expected to underpin the seamless integration of IoT devices into larger networks, enabling smarter cities, connected agriculture, autonomous transport systems, and many other use cases.
Diego López, the convenor of ETSI’s TC DATA, commented: “TC DATA intends to collaborate closely with the European Commission to develop standards in support of the EU Data Governance Act.
“The adoption of data access frameworks by the telecommunications industry is a step forward in enabling the next generation of automation-driven information exchanges.”
Initially, TC DATA will prioritise developing data solutions tailored for telecom networks and services. Moving forward, the committee will expand its focus to deliver industry-specific standards for sectors including maritime transport, eHealth, agriculture, and network management.
The role of ETSI in supporting IoT growth
The IoT sector presents unique challenges given the vast number of devices, unprecedented data production rates, and the varied use cases they serve.
ETSI’s TC DATA will play a central role in standardising systems to ensure scalability, privacy, and secure data interactions—elements that are paramount in mission-critical IoT applications such as healthcare and autonomous vehicles.
Ultimately, the committee aims to create an open ecosystem that fosters industrial innovation. From streamlining data-sharing practices in maritime transport to powering smarter farms and optimising network management systems, the possibilities extend across a broad range of industries.
By addressing these dynamics, TC DATA is building a foundation that doesn’t just meet today’s needs but also anticipates future requirements.
ETSI’s initiative acknowledges the importance of international, cross-industry collaboration to achieve its objectives. Data sharing at scale is inherently a global challenge requiring input from diverse stakeholders.
As IoT adoption continues to grow in tandem with advancements in AI and machine learning, addressing concerns like data sovereignty, misuse, or unauthorised access will be pivotal. Transparent and interoperable standards can lay the groundwork for addressing these issues while still encouraging innovation.
Many experts agree that IoT’s full potential cannot be realised without reliable and secure data-sharing frameworks. Whether it’s enabling predictive maintenance in smart factories or ensuring safe transport routes for autonomous ships, seamless interaction of data between systems is critical for unlocking transformative IoT possibilities.
See also: Smart Machines 2035: Addressing challenges and driving growth
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