On 23 October, we presented TOURiLab Data Space as a flagship project in the Canary Islands at the 2nd Interregional Meeting of the RIS3CAN Communities, held at the Espacio Mutua Tinerfeña in La Laguna (Tenerife). The forum, organised by the Canary Islands Agency for Research, Innovation and the Information Society (ACIISI), once again brought together key players in the regional innovation ecosystem to connect talent, investment and technology.
The event focused on showcasing strategic projects already delivering real impact in sectors that are critical for the Canary Islands. Topics included public–private collaboration, mobilising European funding, accelerating knowledge transfer, and scaling replicable models around challenges shared by the islands.
A short pitch with a clear purpose
Within the block dedicated to flagship projects —only ten proposals were selected for their transformative potential— we had the opportunity to briefly present TOURiLab Data Space.
Although the format was deliberately agile (only three minutes per intervention, precisely timed by the event moderator, Alberto Santana), we were able to convey the essence of the project:
- A data space–based infrastructure that enables information sharing among public and private stakeholders in the tourism sector.
- A model aligned with European guidelines, aiming to create qualified employment, foster new digital services and reinforce the competitiveness of island destinations.
- Above all, a commitment from the Canary Islands to show that the data economy need not be centralised or distant, but can emerge, grow and consolidate within territories.
A meeting to open conversations and agree next steps
Beyond the pitch, the meeting featured bilateral sessions with funding bodies (such as CDTI, the State Research Agency and representatives of European programmes), as well as with other professionals and promoter teams. It was a valuable opportunity to strengthen contacts, share approaches and lay the groundwork for future collaborations.
There was also time for the traditional group photo, where we were pleased to stand alongside high-level people and initiatives committed to the islands’ smart and sustainable development. We left with ideas, contacts and—above all—the feeling that there is an innovative fabric that is increasingly connected and willing to collaborate.
We thank ACIISI for creating spaces where the priority is not only to present but also to listen, connect and build. We believe forums like this are crucial steps for the Canary Islands to move towards real innovation, with fewer promises and more implementation, where collaboration translates into tangible opportunities. We remain committed to ensuring that initiatives such as TOURiLab Data Space help deliver that vision: a digital, open and connected Canary Islands—not only in words, but also in practice.
Would you like to learn more about TOURiLab Data Space and how data spaces can transform tourism and the digital economy from the Canary Islands? Find out more here.
TOURiLAB DATA SPACE, ref. DUM-030000-2023-580, has received support for “Last-Mile” digitalisation projects for companies in the tourism sector (2023 call) from the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, under the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan – NextGenerationEU funds.
