Gaia-X is often mentioned in connection with Gaia-Xthe term data infrastructure, which refers to a combination of services, technological circumstances, and know-how. So we’re not talking about a single concrete measure, even though cloud computing is a prominent part of the planning.
The main goal of Gaia-X is to strengthen the European digital economy to gain independence from the digital infrastructure of other global players like the US and China. During digitalization, most European companies have become heavily dependent on IT infrastructures of a few large companies like Google, Microsoft or Amazon Web Services – but these cloud hyperscalers typically do not share Europe’s views on data protection and transparency.
Independence from the large internet corporations through a European alternative is synonymous with economic development. The key players behind Gaia-X want to loosen restrictions and make financing easier. This should lead to more support for innovation and increase willingness to invest in European companies. In addition, they want to create more uniform rules, so that, for example, companies outside the EU have to pay more attention to consumer protection. This should give rise to more equal opportunities.
First, Gaia-X aims to support the economy. As a secondary goal, the project aims to improve user experience. Both B2B and B2C customers can expect to benefit from Gaia-X. Increased transparency, data protection, and security will be among the advantages for consumers and companies.
In addition, Gaia-X will support various societal actors. Data will be made as freely accessible as possible, which will be helpful for science, business, and society. Areas like machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) should also be opened to small and medium-sized companies through the creation and availability of common data pools for analyses, AI training, and more. A decentral approach is meant to ensure maximal stability and security.
The goals of Gaia-X can be succinctly summed up as in this list:
- Data protection
- Encouraging innovation
- Internet safety
- Open data (decentral)
- Transparency
- Independence
- Chances for collaboration
- User friendliness
- Modularity and interoperability
- Free market access