Open data's growing role: Insights from the OECD 2023 OURdata Index
Open data is transforming the way we see and interact with the world,
especially when it comes to making important decisions. The OECD's
2023 Open Useful and Re-usable data (OURdata) Index
[https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/governance/2023-oecd-open-useful-and-re-usable-data-ourdata-index_a37f51c3-en]
offers a comprehensive analysis of open data policies across 40
countries. With an emphasis on three pillars—data availability, data
accessibility, and government support for data re-use—the report
underscores the increasing significance of open data in driving
innovation, democratic engagement, and policymaking.

The Index, rooted in extensive data collection throughout 2022,
underscores the vital role open data plays in addressing societal
challenges – from public health crises to environmental threats. The
COVID-19 pandemic, for example, highlighted the need for governments
to ensure access to timely, relevant, and high-quality data to foster
resilience and facilitate a comprehensive whole-of-society response.
The report also celebrates the achievements of countries like France
and Korea, which ensure data is not only available, but also
accessible and re-usable.

However, the report also sheds light on areas where there is room for
growth. It reveals a mere 48% of high-value datasets are openly
available. Moreover, high-value datasets related to government
finances and public accountability are rarely available. The Index
encourages nations to strengthen efforts in monitoring open data
impacts and enhance government support for data re-use, guaranteeing
the full realization of the benefits of open data projects.

The Index serves as a call to action for the future, focusing on the
transformational potential of open data and advocating for consistent
effort. It serves as a reminder that open data is still in its early
stages of development and that, in our pursuit of a more democratic
and informed digital society, its full potential is still unrealised.

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Publication Date/Time
2024-02-02T09:00:00+00:00
How open data helps tackling societal challenges and what's next