Sovereign data exchange across the automotive industry

We helped technically enable sovereign data sharing for BMW group.

Transportation/MobilitySupply Chain/LogisticsAPI DesignCloud InfrastructureData SharingCloud AutomationBig DataData PipelinesContainer OrchestrationCorporate Innovation

The story

To revolutionize the automotive industry through sovereign data exchange, as exemplified by the Catena-X initiative, Think-it was tasked with the challenge to bring data space connectors to a production-grade quality so they could be leveraged by BMW Group and other participants to connect and exchange data with one another.

Think-it’s role

After diving deep into the domain of data spaces we took ownership of setting up a data space connector (DSC) and subsequently integrating and operationalizing it within BMW Group’s existing cloud environment to production-level. This included:

  • Adding new functionalities such as usage policies and sovereignty 
  • Building pipelines to handle building, configuring, and deploying the dataspace connector for different environments
  • Advising the internal data engineering team on how to create and share resources via the connector
  • Conducting design sprints and expert interviews to design and implement a seamless UI
  • Integrating the connector within BMW’s Data Portal to allow users to exchange data with external companies using their familiar user interfaces and data catalogues.
  • Becoming the subject matter experts within the organization on data space connectors and how to use them.
  • Providing documentation and trainings for internal capacity building and knowledge management
  • Implementing robust security measures to ensure data protection and compliance with international data regulations.

Challenges in Sovereign Data Sharing

Implementing sovereign data sharing comes with unique challenges, including:

  • Ensuring consistent data protection across multiple jurisdictions
  • Maintaining data integrity and security during exchanges
  • Balancing data accessibility with sovereignty requirements
  • Adapting to evolving international data regulations Think-it's solution addresses these challenges through innovative design and robust implementation.

Why it mattered

Users can now seamlessly exchange data with other companies within their familiar environment and UI without having to learn anything new, while new functionalities of the connector can easily be implemented as they become available. This sovereign data exchange ensures compliance with data protection regulations and maintains control over sensitive information.

Tech stack

AWS DynamoAWS GatewayAWS
Project leadershipData Sharing
Testimonials

What our partners say about us

Bringing data spaces such as Catena-X or the Mobility Data Space to life is a highly innovative endeavour that brings a unique set of challenges with it. Partnering with Think-it allowed us to navigate complexity and set up the required technology in a very short time with great results, making BMW a technical frontrunner in data spaces. This has been truly pioneering work and we're looking forward to continue innovating together.
StefanProduct Owner, Catena-X Connector & GAIA X Lead Working

Learn more about our work with BMW

Our BMW Journey

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