The importance of open data in manufacturing: Boosting efficiency and innovation
How the European Commission is supporting the digital transformation of manufacturing
The manufacturing industry is a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and technological progress across Europe. As global supply chains evolve and digitalisation accelerates, open data is becoming an essential resource for optimising production processes, improving efficiency, and fostering innovation. From predictive maintenance to material tracking and smart factories, access to reliable, real-time data is helping manufacturers make better decisions and stay competitive in a fast-changing landscape.
To support the integration of open data into the manufacturing sector, the European Commission is working on several key initiatives. The European Strategy for Data promotes the development of sector-specific data spaces, including the upcoming Manufacturing Data Space, which will facilitate secure and efficient industrial data sharing. Additionally, the Open Data Directive ensures that high-value datasets—such as geospatial, environmental, and economic data—are freely available to businesses and researchers, fostering data-driven innovation across industries.
A major focus of these efforts is to support the transition to Industry 4.0, as automation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) play an increasing role in manufacturing. Open data helps companies integrate digital technologies into their operations, optimise energy use, and develop more sustainable production methods. By enabling seamless data exchange between businesses, policymakers, and research institutions, the EU aims to strengthen Europe’s industrial resilience and enhance global competitiveness.
Manufacturers, technology developers, and policymakers can all benefit from the wealth of open manufacturing data available through data.europa.eu. Explore the datasets and discover how open data is shaping the future of European manufacturing, driving sustainability, and supporting digital transformation.
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