Comment by Daniel Esser, QUNIS The EU Data Act—Why Companies Need More than Just Legal Compliance

The EU Data Act brings profound changes for companies. Many organizations primarily focus on the legal requirements, but overlook the challenges in the field of data management.

Daniel Esser is Managing Consultant for Data & Analytics Strategy at Qunis GmbH

The EU Data Act aims to regulate access to and the use of data within the European Union. Companies will be required to manage data more transparently, facilitate data sharing, and establish interoperable data structures. The goal is to promote innovation while simultaneously creating clear rules for data access and usage.

Many organizations initially focus on the legal impacts of these new regulations. However, the real challenge lies in practical implementation: companies must review, adjust, and optimize their data processes. Without a solid data strategy, they risk not only compliance violations but also inefficiencies and competitive disadvantages.

Data Management As the Central Challenge of the EU Data Act

The implementation of the EU Data Act requires companies to have comprehensive control over their data—organizationally, procedurally, and technologically. This means that companies must always know which data is stored where and how it should be classified in terms of its relevance to the EU Data Act—for instance, by intellectual property, personal information, or business importance.

A powerful data platform is essential for providing data in a timely manner. In addition, clear data ownership roles must be established within the company to efficiently respond to short-term requests. Since the affected data originates from the operational product environment and continuously changes, implementing the EU Data Act must be transformed into a dynamic regulatory process. This process must adapt flexibly and quickly to the evolving product landscape of the company.

➔ In short: The EU Data Act forces companies to know exactly what data they have, where it is located, and who is allowed to access it. Without clear structures, it will not be possible to comply with the legal requirements. A technological platform and clear responsibilities are needed to enable quick responses.

The Necessity of A Structured Project Framework

The implementation of the EU Data Act cannot be done ad hoc; it must be carried out within the framework of a structured project. This requires a systematic approach, clear responsibilities, and a step-by-step implementation to achieve sustainable results.

➔ Implementing the EU Data Act is not a one-time task but a long-term project. Companies need to prepare strategically and allocate resources for it.

Data Maturity And Organizational Change As Critical Success Factors

From the perspective of experts, very few companies are positioned in terms of their data excellence to ensure the smooth implementation of such a project. Rather, the introduction of the EU Data Act necessitates a fundamental shift in how data is handled, deeply impacting the existing corporate culture. This transformation process is inherently complex and comes with challenges.

➔ Many companies are not yet optimally positioned to manage their data efficiently. The introduction of the EU Data Act forces them to overhaul their internal processes—and this is often a challenging and time-consuming process.

Management Support As An Indispensable Success Factor

Such a profound change in data management cannot be successfully implemented without clear commitment from management. Support from leadership is crucial to allocate resources, create acceptance within the company, and sustainably anchor the organizational changes.

➔ Without support from top management, this project will not succeed. Leaders must stand behind the change and actively support it.

Sustainable Success Only Through A Holistic Approach

Without considering the above factors—a well-thought-out data management system, a structured project approach, adjustments to company culture, and the commitment of management—the implementation of the EU Data Act will not be successful in the long term.

➔ The implementation of the EU Data Act is not merely a compliance issue. Companies must take a holistic approach to the matter, or it will not work in the long term.

Economic Impacts of the EU Data Act

The EU Data Act is not just a regulatory obligation but also offers economic potential. Companies that manage their data efficiently can:

Develop new business models: Optimized data exchange enables the creation of new data-driven services and products.

Increase competitiveness: Companies that invest early in transparent and interoperable data structures will have long-term advantages over their competitors.

Reduce costs: Structured data management minimizes inefficient processes, duplicate work, and data redundancies.

Minimize legal risks: Companies that proactively implement the EU Data Act avoid high fines and liability risks.

➔ The EU Data Act is not just an obligation but also an opportunity. Those who adapt early can position themselves as pioneers, reduce costs, and unlock new market potentials.

Conclusion

The EU Data Act presents companies with far-reaching challenges that go beyond purely legal issues. Rather, it is a wake-up call to rethink their data strategy and create sustainable structures for data management.

Companies that invest early in transparent processes, clear responsibilities, and modern technologies benefit not only from improved compliance but also from long-term competitive advantages. Those who approach the issue strategically can see the new regulatory requirements not merely as an obligation but as an opportunity to make their data landscape more efficient and future-proof.

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