Secure Data Workspace for a Fair Start
FAIRSPACE is a public-private partnership that develops a secure data workspace to support a fair start for children in early life. The project brings together public health organisations, research institutes and technology companies to improve how information is used for early childhood prevention, while ensuring that sensitive data remain safe and protected. By enabling responsible collaboration around data and models, FAIRSPACE supports earlier identification of risks and better decision-making for families.
A healthy start in early childhood is essential for lifelong health, learning and participation in society. In the Netherlands, many health and developmental problems originate in the first years of life and are strongly linked to factors such as poverty, stress and living conditions. These early disadvantages contribute to long-term health inequalities and rising societal costs. Although large amounts of information are collected in healthcare and social services, this information is often fragmented and underused. As a result, risks are not always recognised in time and opportunities for effective prevention are missed.
FAIRSPACE addresses this challenge by improving how data-driven models can be developed and used across organisations. Instead of sharing or centralising personal data, analyses and models are brought to where the data are stored. This makes it possible to safely combine insights from health care, youth services, municipalities and public sources. By improving predictive models, FAIRSPACE enables earlier identification of health and developmental risks and supports better-informed decisions by professionals, parents and policymakers.
The project delivers a secure data workspace, clear agreements on responsible data use and improved predictive models for early childhood risks. These are translated into practical tools, including decision support for professionals, accessible information for parents and dashboards for policymakers. Together, these deliverables strengthen early prevention and provide a solid basis for wider use and long-term impact.
