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Connecting data in the rail industry

Designing a data-sharing framework to empower the European rail industry.

2/8/20251 min read

Rail is one of the most sustainable modes of transport, but fragmented data systems and lack of interoperability create inefficiencies in operations, maintenance, and passenger services.

This project aimed to establish a shared, federated Rail Data Space, enabling secure, standardized data exchange across mobility stakeholders. By embracing digitalization, the initiative contributes to reducing emissions, improving infrastructure efficiency, and enhancing passenger experience—all essential for the future of sustainable transport.

A Step-by-Step Journey: Creating a Shared Rail Data Ecosystem
  1. Understanding the Landscape – Stakeholder Needs & Market Analysis
  • To identify key areas for improvement, the project focused on:

  • Stakeholder Engagement – Understanding challenges in data access, real-time coordination, and predictive analytics.

  • Opportunity Mapping – Defining high-impact areas such as predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and multimodal mobility integration.

  • Regulatory Alignment – Ensuring the model fits within the broader sustainability and digital transformation goals.

  1. Defining the Framework – Use Cases & Operational Design

The project focused on two key areas:

  • Use Cases Development: Prioritizing practical applications such as:

    • Predictive Maintenance: Using real-time data to optimize rail infrastructure.

    • Energy Efficiency: Smart data-driven solutions for reducing energy consumption.

    • Passenger-Centric Services: Enhancing real-time journey planning and mobility coordination.

Operational & Governance Model:

  • Establishing a structured framework for data-sharing agreements, interoperability, and collaboration.

  • Defining roles and responsibilities to ensure seamless adoption.

  1. Testing & Validation – Prototyping the Rail Data Ecosystem

  • Development of a Digital Demo: A visualization showcasing the potential impact of a connected data space.

  • User Stories & Epics Definition: Translating industry needs into actionable solutions.

  • Stakeholder Co-Creation Workshops: Aligning priorities across different players in the mobility sector.

My Role: Leading Business & Strategy Streams

As a Business Designer & Strategist, I was responsible for:

  • Project & Stream Management: Overseeing key workstreams, aligning multiple stakeholders.

  • Cross-Sector Coordination: Facilitating collaboration across industry players.

  • Workshop Design & Execution: Engaging stakeholders to co-create solutions.

  • Strategic Framework Development: Defining the business and operational models for sustainable implementation.

The Impact: A Data-Driven, Sustainable Future for Rail

  • Enabling Smarter Mobility – Laying the foundation for an interconnected rail network through real-time data exchange.

  • Boosting Efficiency – Reducing infrastructure downtime and optimizing rail operations.

  • Enhancing Passenger & Freight Services – Improving reliability, coordination, and decision-making across mobility services.

  • Supporting Sustainability Goals – Using data-driven insights to drive energy efficiency and emission reduction in transport.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Rail

By leveraging data and digitalization, this initiative sets the stage for:

  • A fully connected, intelligent rail network that enhances efficiency and sustainability.

  • Seamless multimodal mobility, integrating rail with other transport modes.

  • Scalable solutions for smart transport infrastructure, contributing to a sustainable and efficient mobility ecosystem.