At Data Week 2026, RI-SCALE will contribute to the discussion on the evolving role of Data Labs in Europe’s data and AI ecosystem through a dedicated session: “Data Labs: Their Role in Europe’s Data and AI Landscape.”
EU AI Data Labs are emerging as key building blocks of Europe’s AI ecosystem. Initially developed within AI Factories under the AI Continent Action Plan, they aim to connect data holders, Common European Data Spaces, and AI infrastructures. As these initiatives mature, Data Labs are expected to evolve into more independent entities addressing both sector-specific and research needs.
However, their precise role within the broader landscape is still taking shape. Questions remain regarding how Data Labs relate to existing instruments such as Common European Data Spaces, European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), and Testing and Experimentation Facilities (TEFs).
Session Structure
This session brings together key actors from AI Factories, research infrastructures, and data ecosystems—including contributions from RI-SCALE—to share early experiences and practical implementations. In particular, the session will:
- explore the role of AI Data Labs in the European landscape
- examine complementarities and overlaps with existing initiatives
- discuss future directions for their development
Aligned with ongoing work by the Big Data Value Association (BDVA), the session aims to contribute to a clearer mapping of the current ecosystem and to inform strategic recommendations for the future evolution of Data Labs in Europe.
Speakers
- Daniel Sáez Domingo (ITI – Instituto Tecnológico de Informática)
- Daniel Alonso Román (Big Data Value Association – BDVA)
- Ville Tenhunen (EGI Foundation)
- Heidi Laine (CSC – IT Center for Science)