Trusted European Scholar Data Space

forthcoming

TESS (Trusted European VET Data Space) is a forward-looking initiative that proposes the design, development, and validation of a secure and interoperable European VET Data Space (EVDS) to improve how vocational education data is collected, shared, and used across Europe. Addressing the current fragmentation and inconsistency in data practices, TESS will create a unified, trusted environment that supports data-driven decision-making in education and training. The EVDS will allow VET institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders to securely access, share, and reuse education and skills-related data across borders, fully complying with EU data protection regulations and promoting ethical data use. Through pilot actions, TESS will test key components such as federated cloud infrastructure, interoperability mechanisms, and governance frameworks to demonstrate the EVDS’s scalability and readiness for large-scale deployment. The project also addresses legal, ethical, and technical challenges by establishing a unified data governance framework aligned with European legislation such as the Data Governance Act and the Data Act. TESS promotes transnational cooperation, sustainable partnerships, and inclusion by fostering alliances among stakeholders, especially in underserved regions and less digitally mature context. Furthermore, the project strengthens digital skills and data literacy within the VET ecosystem by implementing tailored training programs, and micro-credentials, ensuring broad participation and trust in the use of data spaces.