Our summer 2025 reading list: A deep dive into the world of open data
As summer is in full swing, the time has come to relax and take some
time to catch up on reading! After you have finished your personal
readings, you can dive into the data.europa.eu
[https://data.europa.eu/en] summer reading list. We have compiled 8
articles and data stories to gain a better understanding of open data
and the influence it has on communities, sectors, and services. 

	* Open data 101
[https://medium.com/open-the-data/open-data-101-d4d02e5040aa]: This
article is a fun and readable explainer that breaks down what open
data is, why it is important and what impact it has on your daily
activities. 
	* Beyond the dashboard: How open data powers public services across
Europe
[https://data.europa.eu/en/publications/datastories/beyond-dashboard-how-open-data-powers-public-services-across-europe]:
To get a better understanding of data, it is useful to see it in a
real-world context. This data story highlights examples of open data
in action – from budget transparency in Ireland to environmental
monitoring in Switzerland. 
	* Data democratization: What it is and why it matters
[https://www.thoughtspot.com/data-trends/business-analytics/data-democratization]:
This article makes a compelling case for why open data should be
accessible to everyone in a movement known as data democratisation.  
	* [https://ssir.org/articles/entry/ai-for-social-good-data]Gather,
Share, Build
[https://ssir.org/articles/entry/ai-for-social-good-data]: How can we
make sure that the data which drives AI is of quality to benefit the
social good? This article mentions the key focus areas to enable AI
for social good and how the social sector can help address these
concerns. 
	*
Exploring the Evolution of Smart Cities Through Open Data
[https://data.europa.eu/en/publications/datastories/exploring-evolution-smart-cities-through-open-data]:
Open data is shaping the development of smart cities across Europe.
Read more about the developments in cities such as Amsterdam,
Barcelona, and Helsinki. 

	*
[https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/article/biodiversity-data-and-ongoing-monitoring/194885/]Biodiversity
data and ongoing monitoring: Eyes on the ground and in the sky
[https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/article/biodiversity-data-and-ongoing-monitoring/194885/]:
With increasing loss of biodiversity in Europe, it is important to
keep track of what data already exists, and how we can work on a
stronger biodiversity infrastructure. Read more about what we can do
to ensure success in protecting the environment. 
	* Open Data’s Critical Role in Advancing Public Health & Research
[https://academyhealth.org/blog/2025-04/open-datas-critical-role-advancing-public-health-research]:
The role that open data plays in public health and research is crucial
in ensuring it can stay up-to-date with trends. Read more about how
open data is able to ensure the advancement of this sector. 
	* Building AI-Ready Communities: Meet the Global Cohort Transforming
Data Practice with Open Data Editor
[https://blog.okfn.org/2025/07/02/building-ai-ready-communities-meet-the-global-cohort-transforming-data-practice-with-open-data-editor/]:
To create communities which are future-proof and ready to use open
data to its full potential. This article gives an insight into how
communities across the globe are transitioning towards AI. 

Want to find more articles and news pieces beyond this reading list?
Follow us on X/Twitter [https://twitter.com/EU_opendata] and LinkedIn
[https://www.linkedin.com/company/publications-office-of-the-european-union/],
or subscribe to our newsletter [https://data.europa.eu/en/newsletter].
You can also connect with other users through our collaboration
channel
[https://data.europa.eu/dashboard/en/community/collaboration-channel].

Publication Date/Time
2025-07-25T08:00:00+00:00
Enjoy these eight readings throughout your summer months