BEBS recently had the privilege of welcoming Clara Pezuela, Chief Operating Officer for Smart City and Smart Energy at the Fiware Foundation, for an inspiring Challenge Case session. Her expertise in data strategies and digital infrastructures brought invaluable insights to our students, demonstrating how data is revolutionizing modern business ecosystems.

The Consultancy Business Agency (CBA) played a crucial role in the success of this Challenge Case. By collaborating closely with Clara Pezuela, CBA supported the process of identifying and defining the business problem. Their insights ensured the case was relevant, actionable, and aligned with real-world trends, providing students with a meaningful and impactful learning experience

The Challenge: Data as an Economic Resource

Clara Pezuela presented a thought-provoking case focused on leveraging data as a strategic resource in the platform economy. Students explored several key dimensions:

1- Data Monetization in Business Ecosystems

How data providers can generate income and business benefits by sharing and leveraging data in multilateral ecosystems.

2- Data as an Enabler of Digital Business Models

Combining product data, business partner data, and context data to create end-to-end customer solutions.

3- Data for Business Optimization

Implementing digital twin management and smart manufacturing concepts to optimize value creation and supply chain networks

Clara descibes the status and importance of interoperability between data spaces ( Source: Interoperable Europe)

Tourism Data Space: Real-World Applications

Clara introduced examples showcasing the power of data in the tourism industry:

• AI-Powered Recommendations: Generative AI used to provide personalized travel suggestions across mobility, hospitality, and activities.
• Data-Driven Dashboards: Tools integrating open and private data sources to manage congestion in tourism hotspots and recommend alternative options.

These examples demonstrated how data not only enhances customer experiences but also drives sustainable solutions for businesses.

Driving Innovation and Collaboration

This session highlighted BEBS’s commitment to connecting academia with industry leaders to tackle real-world challenges. Through Clara Pezuela’s guidance and CBA’s support, students were empowered to think critically about data as a strategic resource, explore innovative digital business models, and contribute to shaping a data-driven economy.

At BEBS, we believe in equipping our students with the tools to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.