Catena-X and Ouranos Ecosystem Successfully Demonstrate Data Space Interoperability
A groundbreaking step towards global data collaboration.
Berlin/Tokyo, March 31st, 2025 – A groundbreaking step towards global data collaboration: Catena-X Automotive Network e.V. and Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA) have successfully completed a proof of concept (PoC) for interoperability between two independent data spaces. This PoC has 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*2.
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.
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.
Figure: PoC Interoperability Mechanism
“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.” Oliver Ganser, Chairman of the Board, Catena-X
“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*3 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.” Mikiharu Shimizu, Vice Commissioner, IPA
What This Means for Businesses and the Industry
For businesses, this achievement lowers barriers to participation. Companies operating within either Ecosystem 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*4 remain committed to expanding this collaboration beyond PCF data, with future efforts targeting areas such as supply chain resilience, quality management, and regulatory compliance.
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
Catena-X is the first end-to-end, collaborative and open data ecosystem for the automotive industry, connecting all players along the value chain. The Catena-X association acts as a neutral governance to enable standardized, interoperable and data-sovereign collaboration and drive innovation, increase efficiency and compliance across the entire data ecosystem. Catena-X is Gaia-X compliant and also serves as a model for all Manufacturing-X initiatives and is shaping the development of standardized data ecosystems in other industries. Founded in 2021 the association has hubs ins USA, China, Spain, Sweden and France and more than 300 individuals from various players of the automotive industry working in more than 40 expert groups to develop future standards.
*1 IPA and Catena-X sign an MOU on Automotive Industry Data Sharing Interoperability
*2 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.
*3 NEDO is a national research and development agency that creates innovation by promoting technological development necessary for realization of a sustainable society.
*4 Ouranos Ecosystem is committed to work with other data sharing initiative other than automotive industry by collaborating with relevant government agencies and private sector.