Big Data Analytics: definition, history, and European projects

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From forecasting market trends to uncovering hidden data patterns, big data analytics is pushing businesses and institutions to rethink their analytical models.

Big data analytics has become a strategic lever to extract value from data and intelligently guide decision-making.

Shortly, we will explore what “big data analytics” entails, the technologies involved, ethical challenges, regulations, and key projects shaping this sector. Keep reading.

Table of contents

What is big data analytics and why is it strategic?

Big data analytics is the advanced process of collecting, managing, and analyzing massive volumes of structured and unstructured data to generate valuable insights for strategic decisions. Unlike traditional business intelligence, big data analytics handles datasets characterized by volume, velocity, variety, veracity, and value—the so-called 5Vs of big data.

The main types of analytics include:

This approach is essential for improving decision-making processes, optimizing resources, and anticipating market trends.

Big data analytics: a decade of technological evolution

Over the past decade, big data analytics evolution has been driven by technological innovations, such as:

Governance, privacy, and digital sovereignty: new challenges

From 2019 onward, the focus has shifted to:

In Europe, initiatives like GAIA-X, GDPR, and the Data Act have outlined a path toward ethical and transparent big data use.

The new paradigm requires organizations to:

European projects and opportunities in big data analytics

The European Union (EU) is investing in big data analytics through programs like Horizon Europe. Here are some notable projects:

These projects share common goals such as enhancing European competitiveness, promoting open science, and data reuse, thus supporting the development of high social impact solutions. Thanks to its established expertise, PMF Research offers itself as a technical partner for similar initiatives (check out the projects we’ve already joined!).

Why partner with PMF Research?

Contact us for your next European project

Want to propose a cutting-edge European project? PMF Research is the partner you’re looking for. Leverage our experience with Horizon Europe programs and contact us today for a free consultation. Fill out the contact form below or call us at +390957225331.

Together, we can turn data into value and lead innovation in Europe.

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PKU Smart Sensor

PKU Smart Sensor project (n. 08RG7211000341 – CUP G89J18000710007) has been financed thanks to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014/2020 Sicily, within Axis 1 – Specific Objective 1.1 – Action 1.1.5. ‘Realisation and validation of a Point-of-Care system for the home-testing monitoring of phenylalanine in patients suffering from hyperphenylalaninemias’. Amount of eligible PMF Srl expenditure: 208,864.00 euros. Amount of PMF Srl contribution: 146,674.00 euros. The content of this website is the responsibility of PMF Srl and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

VESTA

VESTA project (no. F/050074/02/X32 – CUP B58I17000190008) has been financed under Axis 1 Investment Priority 1.b Action 1.1.3 LDR. BANDO HORIZON 2020 – PON 2014/2020 ‘Implementation of an evolved security (anti-theft) system based on innovative short-range radio inspection technologies and miniaturized audio/video multimedia sensors’. Amount of eligible expenditure PMF Srl: 299,915.01 euros. Amount of contribution PMF Srl: 131,284.02 euros. The content of this website is the responsibility of PMF Srl and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

MINERVA

MINERVA project (no. F/190045/01/X44 – CUP B61B1900048008) has been financed thanks to the Fund for Sustainable Growth – ‘Intelligent Factory’ PON I&C 2014-2020, as in DM 5 March 2018 Chapter III. Innovative e-learning methods and virtual reality in companies. Amount of eligible expenditure PMF Srl: 274,791.25 euros. Amount of contribution PMF Srl: 160,532.00 euros. The content of this website is the responsibility of PMF Srl and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

SECESTA ViaSafe

SECESTA ViaSafe project (no. 08CT6202000208 – CUP G69J18001010007) has been financed thanks to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014/2020 Sicily, within Axis 1 – Specific Objective 1.1 – Action 1.1.5. ‘Application of the monitoring network from the volcanic ash fallout from Etna to mobility management in the Etnean territory’. Amount of eligible expenditure PMF Srl: 267,400.00 euros. Amount of PMF Srl contribution: 190,752.00 euros. The content of this website is the responsibility of PMF Srl and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

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