Open data is a concept that involves
offering free access to data. Anyone can use and republish the data in whatever
manner they wish. There are no copyright restrictions or patents. The concept
behind the open data movement is like other well-known movements such as open access or open source. This long-established
philosophy is gaining in popularity due to the Internet and the launch of
government based open data initiatives such as Data.Gov.
Requests for smarter cities and
governing bodies have brought the concept of the open data movement to the
forefront of people’s minds. Data is gaining in value; the only issues that
appear to need to be ironed out are the “how’s” and the “what’s.”
Having a government-as-platform
strategy is rapidly becoming a game-changer. Plans are already in place to
liberate data and make big government more open.
Citizens & Government Can Benefit from Open Data
Transparency
The government has always appeared to
be mysterious to citizens. Many believe the government is a separate entity and
not a collective entity. With Gov 2.0 citizens
will be able to see more of the process involved in governing.
Collaboration
Now citizens can offer instant input
regarding government activities. Gov 2.0 can open dialogue and facilitate
conversations between citizens and their governing entities.
Innovation
Increased collaboration and speed of
communication will inevitably lead to better innovation. Ideas can be easily
and rapidly exchanged, and implementing change can happen even faster than
before. The results? A streamlined bureaucratic process.
More Information is Necessary before Changes are Completed
Open data is relatively new.
Government agencies, vendors, enterprises and citizens aren’t in a position yet to completely understand the shift
that is occurring as government evolves into a platform. International and
domestic policies must be adjusted to compensate. Best practices and obstacles
still need to be evaluated and addressed.
However, the verdict is already in; world government is changing.
The Road Ahead: Open Data Still a Work in Progress
There is more to the process than
publishing data sets to websites and calling it a day. There is no doubt that
moving toward government-as-a-platform status will be beneficial, but the
obstacles are less technological and more cultural. Open data is designed to be
a means, not an end.
Open data should increase citizen
trust in the governing process. Transparency should be the prime goal.
Information sharing and co-creation between governments and citizens is paramount to building two-way participation
that will create an open government.
There’s still much to do before the dream becomes a reality. However, conversations have already begun, and
it appears that everyone is poised to move in the right direction.
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