High-value datasets
Publication Date/Time
2020-02-05T09:00:00+00:00
Country
Europe
A sneak peek into the European Data Portal's latest study into
high-value datasets
On Thursday 30 January 2020, the European Data Portal
[https://www.europeandataportal.eu/en] (EDP) published their latest
study titled: High-value datasets: understanding the perspective of
data providers
[/sites/default/files/analytical_report_15_high_value_datasets.pdf] .
This article is a sneak peek into the study.

HIGH-VALUE DATASETS: UNDERSTANDING THE PERSPECTIVE OF DATA PROVIDERS 

Making data available as open data across the EU Member States is
vital to leverage its potential for the European society and economy,
for example, to enrich research, inform decision making, or develop
new products and services. The impact of open data is mainly realised
through application and depends on factors like costs, quality of the
data and its documentation, or the modality of access. To further
increase the impact of open data and reduce market entry barriers for
start-ups and SMEs, these factors need to be addressed. To do that
most effectively, efforts should target those datasets that have the
biggest potential for society and the economy.

In the Directive on open data and the re-use of public sector
information, also known as the Open Data Directive (Directive (EU)
2019/1024
[https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2019.172.01.0056.01.ENG]),
the European Commission is tasked to adopt an implementing act
specifying high-value datasets (HVDs) that organisations in the scope
of the Directive will have to make available free of charge, in
machine-readable format and via APIs, and, where relevant, as a bulk
download .

Defining the value of specific datasets, however, is very complex. The
perspective and role of data providers in the Member States are
instrumental in the process of specifying and implementing HVDs. The
report reviews relevant literature, political decisions, and national
initiatives to allow for a deeper understanding of the current status
around value assessment of datasets. Findings from interviews with
selected open data providers from different Member States provide
insights into different perceptions and expectations around HVDs. The
findings raise several vital aspects, challenges, and questions, for
example:

 	* The value of datasets depends on the point of view, the
specification and (geographical, sectoral) scope of impact. The impact
created by open data should benefit SMEs and enable cross-border
applications.
 	* Dataset download statistics are often used, but are not
sufficient, to assess their value and potential impact. However, there
is no clarity on any other standardised base for value assessment.
 	* Roles and responsibilities in the process of specifying,
implementing, and maintaining HVDs are often not clear nor supported
by a mandate or designated resources.
 	* Reaching understanding and consistency in and across the Member
States while allowing for differences in local political, cultural,
and ethical background.

The report concludes with six key recommendations:

 	* Create intrinsic and extrinsic incentives for data providers to
engage in the process.
 	* Set clear expectations around roles, responsibilities, and
resources.
 	* Standardise HVDs assessment and specifications across borders.
 	* Provide expert guidance that supports a consistent process and is
mindful of differences in language, culture, politics, and perceptions
of impact.
 	* Work in iterative rounds to reach alignment and mutual consent.
 	* Involve relevant stakeholders from the full scope of impact, to
reach meaningful and feasible results.

Interested in finding out more about high-value datasets? Explore the
EDP news [/en/what-we-do/articles-archive] and Featured Highlights
[/en/what-we-do/highlights-archive] and follow the EDP via mail
[/en/feedback/form?type=4], Twitter
[http://twitter.com/EU_DataPortal], Facebook
[http://www.facebook.com/EuropeanDataPortal] or LinkedIn
[https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-data-portal/].
