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DEMO·GRAFO: Territory of well‑being, a data space to transform the way we look at demography

Transform demographic challenges into opportunities.

 

 

DEMO·GRAFO is an initiative promoted by the University of Salamanca within the framework of the Sectoral Data Spaces Program of the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service, funded by the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan – NextGenerationEU. Its objective is clear: to understand, value, and activate the potential of territories affected by depopulation and aging, placing well‑being and longevity at the center of a new development model.

By creating an interoperable data space, the project will initially bring together demographic, social, economic, and territorial information to generate a precise, updated, and scientifically grounded vision of the reality of these territories. This approach, aligned with the European data strategy, makes it possible to overcome simplified narratives and transform demographic challenges into opportunities for social and economic prosperity.

A new way of understanding the territory

For decades, many rural and semi‑urban areas have experienced population loss and accelerated aging. DEMO·GRAFO starts from a different premise: the longevity we observe today in these environments is not a problem, but a sign of well‑being, associated with healthier lifestyles and community rhythms that foster quality of life.

The project seeks to demystify negative perceptions of territories in demographic decline, highlighting their resilience, social and environmental assets, their capacity to generate well‑being, and their potential to attract new population and economic activity.

A data space for a complete, rigorous, and shared vision

DEMO·GRAFO develops a space for sharing and exploiting data that integrates public, private, academic, and community sources, always ensuring security, privacy, and data sovereignty.

This data ecosystem — in line with European standards of interoperability, governance, and protection — will allow:

  • Analysis of depopulation patterns, residential mobility, and demographic structure.
  • Identification of economic opportunities linked to well‑being, longevity, and care.
  • Evaluation of comparative levels of physical, cognitive, and financial well‑being across different habitats.
  • Understanding of the relationship between territory, health, infrastructure, services, and quality of life.
  • Informed decision‑making for administrations, companies, and social actors.

The entire architecture of the project is governed by the principles established in the grant resolution: interoperability with other data spaces, compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation, traceability, quality control, clear governance, and responsible use of information.

A solid scientific foundation to drive territorial development

The project incorporates specific research aimed at providing its own scientific evidence, essential for a deep understanding of well‑being in the territories studied. Among them:

  • Analysis of biological age to understand the pace of population aging through biomarkers of the immune system and oxidative stress.
  • Study of subjective financial well‑being based on the Multidimensional Scale MSFWBS, which evaluates cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components of economic well‑being.
  • Integration of socioeconomic, environmental, demographic, public health, and infrastructure data from multiple entities and open sources.

This dataset will make it possible to identify the distinctive characteristics of territories that demonstrate longevity, well‑being, and resilience, as well as the factors that can drive their future development.

An approach aligned with national and European priorities

DEMO·GRAFO responds to the objectives of the Action Plan for the Deployment of Data Spaces and aligns with strategies such as:

  • the European Data Strategy (DGA, DA, DMA),
  • the FAIR guidelines for data reuse,
  • national policies addressing the demographic challenge,
  • sustainable rural development programs,
  • and territorial cohesion initiatives.

Its integration into a data space ensures ethical, transparent, and verifiable management of information, strengthening its usefulness for territorial planning and decision‑making.

Towards territories of well‑being: from diagnosis to action

The project will enable:

  • Identification of indicators on territorial well‑being, forming the basis for new strategies of repopulation and economic revitalization.
  • Evaluation of levels of sacrifice or loss of well‑being when people age in rural versus urban environments.
  • Detection of opportunities for investment, employment, services, and entrepreneurship.
  • Generation of data‑driven action proposals to curb depopulation and enhance territorial attractiveness.
  • Creation of a positive narrative supported by real and verifiable data.

The ultimate goal: to turn territories in demographic decline into territories of well‑being, innovation, and future.

Governance, transparency, and collaboration

The data space will operate under a clear governance model, with rules, standards, ethical code, and procedures that ensure:

  • transparency in data access and use,
  • common standards,
  • quality and traceability,
  • open and plural participation,
  • interoperability with other data spaces,
  • and continuous monitoring of regulatory compliance.

This model will be developed in accordance with the provisions of the grant resolution, including rulebook, access policies, participation requirements, and monitoring mechanisms.

An open project for participation

DEMO·GRAFO is set to become a space for public‑private collaboration where administrations, knowledge centers, companies, social organizations, and citizens can:

  • contribute data,
  • access analyses and results,
  • generate applied knowledge,
  • and promote high‑impact solutions in the territories.

The project is conceived as replicable and scalable, with the ambition to extend to other regions of Spain and Europe.

Contact

Entities interested in participating or receiving more information can write to: demografo@usal.es

New content and technical documents accompanying the evolution of the project will be published soon.