Services / Data spaces & MIMs
Data spaces and MIMs – from European framework to everyday local practice
I help develop the mechanisms that will make cities’ data interoperable across Europe – and help organisations understand what that means for their platforms, procurements and ways of working.
Latest delivery · SVADA · October 2026
Try a real data space: sewer overflow data from DHI to the City of Gothenburg
Six steps from model to decision, with Eclipse Dataspace Components, terms in ODRL and approval from the data owner before protected data is released. Assessed against MIM3 and MIM6.
01 — Why it matters
Interoperability is moving from good idea to expectation
A European data space for communities
The EU is building a common data space for smart and sustainable cities and communities (DS4SSCC). Over time, cities are expected to contribute data to it.
MIMs are the foundation
Minimal Interoperability Mechanisms are the smallest common set of mechanisms that let data and services work across cities and suppliers, and the basis for interoperability in DS4SSCC.
It’s decided by today’s choices
Platforms, IoT solutions and data platforms procured now need to meet tomorrow’s requirements. The right requirements in procurement cost less than rebuilding later.
02 — The concepts in a minute
What is a data space?
A way of sharing data between organisations where each party keeps control of its own data. Common rules, roles and technical building blocks let participants trust each other without gathering everything in one place. A data space for communities is place-based: it spans many domains, from mobility and energy to the environment, within one geography.
What are MIMs?
MIMs are developed by OASC, with a European variant, MIMs Plus, within Living-in.EU. Each MIM describes a capability – what should work – and points to the specifications that make it work. The latest version is v9.0.
- MIM0 Accessing Data
- MIM1 Interlinking Data
- MIM2 Representing Data
- MIM3 Exchanging Data
- MIM4 Personal Data
- MIM6 Securing Data (led by Björn)
- MIM7 Geospatial Data
- MIM8 Local Digital Twins
03 — What I have done
From local input to European specifications
SVADA · Swedish Water Data Lab
2026
A data space for water data – from idea to working test
Helping build a data space for sharing high-value datasets within and between water utilities, starting in Gothenburg. Presented the first proof of concept and what the tests showed at an open seminar in October 2026. Try the data space demo (in Swedish).
RISE · CitcomAI · OASC
Leading the development of MIM6 Securing Data
Runs the working group defining the capabilities for secure data sharing – who may access data, that data has not been altered and that it comes from a verified source. Also a member of the Joint Foundational Working Group.
Living-in.EU · MIMs Plus
Swedish input that changed the direction
Reviewed the existing MIMs with Swedish stakeholder groups, channelled their feedback to Living-in.EU and secured major changes.
RISE · Smart City Lab
The MIM network for Swedish cities
Led the network of around ten cities and handled communication and coordination together with Claus Popp-Larsen. The analysis strongly influenced the new direction the MIMs later took.
RISE · Smart City Transformation Lab
The EU’s digital regulations – what do they mean for your city?
Analysed the EU Digital Decade and mapped how the regulations affect cities. Published by RISE (in Swedish).
RISE · City as a Platform · LoV IoT
IoT and data sharing in cities
Expert in information management and data sharing in City as a Platform. Responsible for technology and platform choices in LoV IoT, which measured air and water quality using many low-cost sensors.
04 — How I can help
Four ways to get started
Assessment and roadmap
Where you stand and which steps make sense.
Fits when you need to understand the issue and prioritise.
Procurement requirements
Requirements for platforms and data platforms based on MIMs and openness.
Fits when you are procuring or renewing.
Training and workshops
For management, operations and IT.
Fits when more people need a shared picture.
Collaboration and EU projects
Support in networks and projects connected to OASC, Living-in.EU and European data spaces.
Fits when you want to do it together with others.
Published
RISE · ReportEU:s digitala regelverk – vad betyder det för din kommun? (in Swedish)
IoT Sverige · BlogHur smarta är städerna? (in Swedish)
IoT Sverige · BlogVilka effekter når satsningar på smart stad? (in Swedish)
“Björn helps organisations move forward with open data wisely and reliably. A passionate and competent partner for discussing information management.”
Lars Samuelsson, IT and digitalisation strategist, Environment Administration, City of Gothenburg (translated from Swedish)
Want to know what the MIMs mean for you?
A first conversation is free. We’ll look at where you are and what a sensible next step looks like.