Open Data - Thoughts on the White Paper
Following on from my excited picture post last week, I've now digested the Government White Paper on Open Data: Unleashing the Potential. My thoughts are below and I'm sure they will be similar to the thoughts of many other people around the industry. For a nice run down, check out this article at the Guardian.
In short, the White Paper gives an update on progress made so far and the plans for the future. One of the most significant things here is the apparent passion for the movement shown by Francis Maude MP. In fact, during his launch he spoke many times of his team of 'Guerrillas' and 'Zealots' who are running round Whitehall, encouraging their colleagues (apparently in many different ways) to get behind Transparency and take the risk.
A few key points for you:
The major change here is the number. Previously, estaimates had put the worth of Open Data at £6 billion. This is a huge amount and to see that grow to £33 billion is simply astounding! It's worth bearing in mind though that some of this will be in savings for Government and some will obviously be in direct business opportunities created by entrepreneurs and existing organisations.
In conclusion, the future for Open Data is a bright one with the UK influencing the Global picture thanks to our founding membership of the Open Government Partnership. What happens once the ODI opens is also going to be fascinating.
I'll be keeping close tabs on all of this and hope to be involved in several ways. More on this one as it develops!
If you want to read the whole White Paper, you can find it at the Cabinet Office Website.
In short, the White Paper gives an update on progress made so far and the plans for the future. One of the most significant things here is the apparent passion for the movement shown by Francis Maude MP. In fact, during his launch he spoke many times of his team of 'Guerrillas' and 'Zealots' who are running round Whitehall, encouraging their colleagues (apparently in many different ways) to get behind Transparency and take the risk.
A few key points for you:
- Over 9,000 datasets have been made available on www.data.gov.uk.
- The site has been redesigned to make it easier to search for data and use it.
- Every department has now published it's Open Data Strategy online. These make for interesting reading!
- The Open Data Institute will open in September and be based near Silicon Roundabout.
- The Open Business Forum has been established with support from 21 major organisations.
- A new 'Developer Engagement Strategy' will be lead by the Government Digital Service.
- Adoption of Open Data principles could be worth around £33 billion annually to the UK economy.
The major change here is the number. Previously, estaimates had put the worth of Open Data at £6 billion. This is a huge amount and to see that grow to £33 billion is simply astounding! It's worth bearing in mind though that some of this will be in savings for Government and some will obviously be in direct business opportunities created by entrepreneurs and existing organisations.
In conclusion, the future for Open Data is a bright one with the UK influencing the Global picture thanks to our founding membership of the Open Government Partnership. What happens once the ODI opens is also going to be fascinating.
I'll be keeping close tabs on all of this and hope to be involved in several ways. More on this one as it develops!
If you want to read the whole White Paper, you can find it at the Cabinet Office Website.
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