The WATERVERSE project is paving the way for a sustainable and collaborative future in the water data domain through the deployment of a modular Water Data Management Ecosystem (WDME). Beyond the technical innovation, WATERVERSE has developed a comprehensive business model, an intellectual property rights (IPR) strategy, and a long-term sustainability framework to ensure lasting impact.

Business model: WATERVERSE adopts a hybrid business model and leverages multiple complementary exploitation paths which are enabled to encapsulate open-data and open-standards accessibility with service-based value creation. The model enables both commercial and non-commercial exploitation, offering flexible routes to uptake, as:

  • Ecosystem-as-a-Service (WDME) – offer the full stack as a hosted, managed platform (subscription or hybrid finance) so water utilities and authorities can adopt fast with low infrastructure overhead. This model enables faster scaling and monetisation while ensuring a consistent, standards-based ecosystem aligned with FAIR and EU Data Space initiatives.
  • Component commercialisation – sell or license high-value modules (e.g., pipeline editor, validation, analytics) or package them as SaaS offerings and integration services.
  • Open-source and services – publish core components under open licences to grow community adoption, while monetising professional services (integration, hosting, SLAs, training).
  • Pilot → market scaling – use pilot partners as reference cases, run post-project pilots to refine the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), then scale via targeted tenders and procurement frameworks.
  • Procurement-ready specs – push technical specifications to buyers and procurers so public authorities can include WDME-aligned requirements in tenders (reduces procurement friction).

IPR Strategy: A clear and transparent IPR management framework has been established to balance collaboration and protection. The approach ensures that results are properly licensed, partners’ contributions are respected, legal risks are reduced, and mixed deployment models and innovations can be safely adopted by external stakeholders. This structure supports open innovation while maintaining freedom to operate for future exploitation.

Long-term sustainability framework: To guarantee impact beyond the project’s lifetime, WATERVERSE proposes the creation of a post-project alliance, responsible for maintaining and evolving the WDME. This entity will oversee community engagement, service continuity, and strategic alignment with European data space initiatives and FAIR data principles. Engaging standardisation bodies and aligning with EU Data Spaces, Green Deal and digital policies, further ensures the long-term visibility and institutional uptake.

WATERVERSE has strong market potential because it combines pilot-validated tools, FAIR-by-design practices and procurement-ready specs, defining a practical route to get from research and innovation results to operational digital water infrastructures.

Together, these elements create a robust foundation for sustainable exploitation, ensuring that WATERVERSE’s results continue to support digital transformation and innovation in the water sector long after the project ends.