The Data Act proposal has generated substantial policy debate over the past months. With co-regulators reaching the final compromise text and being close to starting the trilogues, industrial stakeholders are calling for more time to carefully consider the consequences of the legislation. A fundamental piece of the EU data strategy that covers business to business (B2B), business to consumer (B2C), and business to government (B2G) data sharing, as well as cloud switching, the Data Act aims to foster access to and use of data by unlocking data from connected products in a market where, according to the Commission, about eighty percent of the industrial data collected is never used.

The text proposes a horizontal regulation, affecting all players. It has, however, been criticised for being overly complex and creating legal uncertainty. The three reports in CERRE’s Improving the Data Act project examine the B2B/B2C, cloud switching, and B2G provisions from an economic perspective and make recommendations for the balancing of interests and the creation of a legal framework that can effectively reach the regulatory goal.

The project will conclude with a hybrid, public event that will present the three reports and discuss the latest developments in the file. Will the Data Act succeed in unlocking the value of data? Does it strike the right balance between preserving innovation incentives and incentivising data sharing? Are the provisions overly complex for a horizontal regulation? Do they overburden smaller firms? Should the B2G obligations apply only to ad hoc data transfers? How will compensation be determined?

To get answers to these questions, join us on March 28, from to CET, in Brussels or online, for a stimulating discussion with the representatives from the European institutions, national regulators, industry players, and the CERRE academic team.

This event is free and open to all, but registration is required. Viewers will have the chance to submit questions for the panellists during the event.

If you cannot join us live, then the event will be available to replay on the CERRE YouTube channel afterwards.