On October 29 - 30, 2024, the first Global Data Technology Conference (GDTC) was grandly held in Beijing. Hosted by the Next Generation Internet Engineering Center, the conference gathered data technology experts, industry leaders, and government representatives from around the world to jointly explore the future development trends of data technology. At the plenary session on the 29th, Liu Dong, Chairman of the GDTC and Director of the Next Generation Internet Engineering Center, delivered an in - depth yet easy - to - understand speech on the theme of "Building an Open Data Space Network and Advancing Data Infrastructure Construction."

Figure: Liu Dong, Director of the Next Generation Internet Engineering Center, delivering a keynote speech at the main forum of the 2024 Global Data Technology Conference

Data space, as the main technical route for data sharing and circulation, has received extensive attention and support worldwide. Director Liu Dong pointed out that a data space is a distributed data - collaboration platform. It is based on consensus - based management rules, data standards, interface protocols, and security mechanisms. It achieves the security, reliability, controllability, and interoperability of data and provides services such as authentication, clearing, semantic integration and application value - added, promoting data circulation and assetization.

Regarding the development trends and evolution of data space, Liu Dong first reviewed the development of the Internet. The Internet shifted from being isolated to open and interconnected with the introduction of the TCP/IP protocol. It became more accessible and user - friendly with the introduction of the World Wide Web, leading to explosive information growth. He further proposed that, by analogy with the Internet, the evolution of the open data space network moves from isolated data spaces to interconnected and instant - interactive ones via standardized data connectors, forming an open data space. With the maturation of data processing environment certification mechanisms and standard systems, different data spaces will achieve interconnectivity. As a vast number of entities access the network, and data spaces from different industries, regions, and even individuals interconnect, a global - scale open data space network will be constructed.

Director Liu Dong noted that the open data space network is not only a technical concept but also a new network system aimed at realizing data authorization, processing, exchange, trading, and aggregation. Based on consensus - based management rules, standard architecture, and an open - source ecosystem, the system helps break data silos, promote international circulation, and enhance data value. The open data space network emphasizes entity connection and free data flow while paying more attention to data management and efficient, secure utilization. It is bound to become an important infrastructure for the digital economy.

Finally, Director Liu Dong shared four thoughts and suggestions on the development of data space with the attendees. At the planning level, he encouraged the accelerated improvement and pilot implementation of data space technology. He also encouraged and regulated the development of data space in terms of rules, law, and governance architecture. At the technical level, he encouraged participation in the construction of international standards for high - speed data networks and data space, promoting interconnectivity and interoperability. He encouraged the integration and innovation of technologies such as IPv6 and data space protocols and the development of related products. He also stressed considering functionality, cost, and technological integration, enabling platforms to deploy quickly and entities to access the network at a low cost. At the application level, he suggested that the government take the lead to attract and drive more market - oriented data to create a scale effect. He encouraged industries and industrial chains with high levels of digitalization and high demand for data circulation to pilot first. He also supported the practice of commercial models. Additionally, he suggested focusing on key areas such as international cooperation, cross - border data circulation, and industrial ecosystem construction to build sustainable data infrastructure.

With the deepening of global cooperation and continuous technological innovation, a more open and trustworthy data ecosystem is gradually taking shape. This will greatly promote the sustainable development of the digital economy and lay a solid foundation for future technological innovation. The "Open Data Space Network" not only enriches the theoretical system of data space but also provides a clear theoretical framework and practical path for breaking data silos, promoting international data circulation, and building a global data infrastructure ecosystem.