Catena-X and Ouranos Ecosystem Successfully Demonstrate Data Space Interoperability

The first step towards global data collaboration

This PoC had been conducted under the MoU between IPA and Catena-X Automotive Network e.V. signed last year on Automotive Industry Data Sharing Interoperability.This milestone marks a significant achievement in cross-border digital cooperation, validating that separate ecosystems can connect while maintaining regional sovereignty.

Interoperability in Action: PCF Data Exchange for Batteries

The first successful interoperability use case focused on Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data exchange for batteries, aiming for compliance with EU Battery Regulation while allowing Japanese companies to participate using their existing Ouranos Ecosystem infrastructure, Battery Traceability Platform (Note 1).

This demonstrates that companies operating in different requirements can exchange trusted sustainability data without friction, reinforcing the ability of Catena-X and Ouranos Ecosystem to work towards a truly open and global data ecosystem.

1. Note 1
   This PoC was conducted by replicating the Automotive and Battery Traceability Center’s traceability service environment which is the first use case of the Ouranos Ecosystem initiative.

A Framework for Future Interoperability

By establishing an intermediate layer, both parties were able to demonstrate a mechanism (see Figure: PoC Interoperability Mechanism) for exchanging PCF data between different architectures without affecting either one and confirmed its effectiveness. This was achieved by identifying technical differences related to “Authentication”, “Protocol”, and “Data Model” in the interoperation of data spaces with different architectures, while respecting each other's governance rules, systems, technologies, and operations. The results of this PoC are an important starting-point for future interoperability efforts – not just between the Catena-X and Ouranos Ecosystem Dataspaces, but for any other data spaces looking to connect to either the Catena-X or Ouranos Ecosystem Dataspaces.

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Catena-X and IPA Comments

[Oliver Ganser, Chairman of the Board, Catena-X]

This successful interoperability milestone between Catena-X and Ouranos Ecosystem underscores the power of international collaboration in advancing global data ecosystems. We highly value the collaborative and solution-oriented efforts of the Ouranos team, along with Fujitsu and SAP, who played a key role in driving the project forward, while BASF contributed its expertise with the PCF Exchange proof-of-concept. This achievement demonstrates our commitment to building the most powerful, interoperable, sovereign and scalable data ecosystem to foster efficiency and innovation across industries.

1. Note:
   The company names and product names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

[Mikiharu Shimizu, Vice Commissioner, IPA]

In this PoC, we have achieved a significant outcome by validating data interoperability from a technical perspective while respecting each other's systems, technologies, rules, and operations. I would like to acknowledge all the organizations which are engaged in this project, especially, NEDO(Note 2) for its support to the project. This process has also highlighted challenges that need to be addressed in terms of operations and policy. We are convinced that refining the architecture through public-private collaboration has become increasingly important. Building on the various discussions taking place, we will continue to advance our efforts to outline the architecture and provide a platform for collaborative areas within the industrial sector.

1. note2.
   NEDO is a national research and development agency that creates innovation by promoting technological development necessary for realization of a sustainable society.

What This Means for Businesses and the Industry

For businesses, this achievement lowers barriers to participation. Companies operating within either Ecosystem will in future be able to collaborate with other Ecosystems without having to adopt an entirely new infrastructure or compromise on sovereignty. Similarly, business application providers will be able to expand their solutions into new markets while ensuring compliance with both European and Japanese requirements. This unlocks new opportunities for cross-border collaboration, enhanced supply chain transparency, and improved regulatory reporting across multiple regions.

The Road Ahead: Scaling Interoperability Across Use Cases

While this PoC is a significant step forward, it is only the beginning of a broader journey toward full interoperability across multiple use cases. Catena-X and Ouranos Ecosystem(Note 3) remain committed to expanding this collaboration beyond PCF data, with future efforts targeting areas such as supply chain resilience, quality management, and regulatory compliance.

1. Note 3.
   Ouranos Ecosystem is committed to work with other data sharing initiative other than automotive industry by collaborating with relevant government agencies and private sector.

Related Information

• IPA and Catena-X sign an MOU on Automotive Industry Data Sharing Interoperability | Catena-X

About IPA

Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA) is an independent administrative institution thriving on its mission to expedite the digital empowerment of Japanese people for their well-being. Under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), IPA delivers digital infrastructure, nurtures digital talent, and ensures cybersecurity to enable the advent of a super-smart society.

About Catena-X

The Catena-X Automotive Network is an international alliance and a globally operated network that is building the first operating system for a data-driven global automotive value chain. The primary objective of the Catena-X Association is to create a common foundation for digital exchange by offering the most user-friendly environment for building, operating and collaborating using end-to-end data chains along the entire value creation process. As such, the Catena-X Network sees itself as the ultimate gateway to a digital economy in which automotive manufacturers and suppliers, dealer associations and equipment suppliers, including the providers of applications, platforms and infrastructure, can all participate equally.