Insights from our recent report on Licence Compatibility in Europe

In a comprehensive legal report commissioned by the data.europa.eu initiative, we delve into the complex field of licence compatibility challenges, shedding light on practical implications and unveiling strategies to propel open data collaboration across Europe. The report serves as a crucial resource, offering valuable insights into the nuances of varied licensing approaches and emphasising the need for cohesive strategies to ensure seamless integration for data re-users. 

Amidst the challenges outlined, a significant trend emerges as we observe a substantial shift towards widely recognised Creative Commons licences, particularly CC-BY and CC0. This strategic move not only simplifies data reuse but also fosters international collaboration, setting the stage for a more interconnected open data landscape. The success story in Denmark, where active promotion of CC licences has resulted in an impressive 84% adoption rate of CC-BY 4.0 on the national open data portal, exemplifies the transformative impact of standardised approaches. 

To reinforce these positive trends, we advocate for reducing the proliferation of unique national licences, emphasising a default preference for CC licences, and enhancing data literacy among providers. Positioned as a catalyst for progress, the data.europa.eu initiative is committed to addressing compatibility challenges, paving the way for an open data ecosystem that is not only accessible but also conducive to collaborative innovation. Embracing this call to action will empower the EU to further unlock the vast potential of open data for innovation, research, and societal benefits. 

For a deeper exploration of the challenges, solutions, and the potential of open data, we encourage you to delve into the full report. 

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