What is it about?

The term data intermediary is a collective term for all models or instruments aiming to simplify, execute, or support data exchange between (at least two) parties. A subcategory of data intermediaries includes, for example, data trustees or data marketplaces. Depending on the specific form of the data intermediary, their main service could be to provide secure data exchange or publicise available data.

How can businesses benefit?

Data intermediaries can bring data providers and users together. This mediation primarily occurs by making available data known to potential data users. Companies that wish to access data but do not know how to find it could particularly benefit from this. Often, data intermediaries also ensure secure exchanges regarding compliance with contractual agreements or safeguarding trade secrets. This can provide businesses with greater assurance that trade secrets are not unintentionally disclosed during the data exchange process, thus making participation more appealing.

Examples of data intermediaries can be found under data marketplaces or data trustees.