The OECD OUR Data Index puts Spain in sixth place in open data

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published the results of the second edition of the Open-Useful-Reusable Data Index ( OURData Index), developed to support member countries of this organization in promoting Open data policies.

Spain continues to lead in the development of open data policies, thanks to the work that has been done in the promotion of open data from the public sector and in the strategy focused on open and transparent government. The 2017 OECD index puts Spain in 6th position, behind Korea, France, Japan, Britain and Mexico and ahead of the United States, Canada, Germany and Norway. Specifically, this Open Data OURdata 2017 index (Open Useful Reusable Government Data Index) analyses and measures 140 indicators concerning three fundamental pillars: data availability, accessibility thereof and government support for reuse.

This second edition of the OURData Index has been reinforced by incorporating the principles of the International Open Data Charter, as detailed in the section that describes the methodology . This index is part of the Government at a Glance 2017 report which provides the latest data available on public administrations in the 35 OECD countries and also includes data on Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Indonesia, Lithuania, Russia and South Africa. In the Open Government chapter, the OECD addresses strategies and objectives in open government, human resource coordination and management, monitoring and evaluation of open government strategies, citizen participation in policymaking, and open government data.

Among other conclusions, it highlights the fact that in 2017 about 50% of the OECD countries (17 of 35 countries) have adopted a national policy of open government. The new OURData Index "shows that countries have made great strides in opening government data using open reusable formats but can do more to encourage reuse among citizens and businesses". In that sense, it points out that the use of new technologies and new approaches, such as those based on behavioural sciences, can help to codify and co-produce services with citizens and improve the effectiveness of public policies.

While recognizing that open public policies are gaining momentum - examples include Hackathons to promote data reuse and training and briefings - this index advocates further evaluation. "Few countries evaluate - it states - whether open government initiatives achieve the desired economic, social, public sector productivity or accountability."

This edition includes new indicators and additional data sources, which allows a wider view of data of public administrations in OECD countries.

The main findings in the OUR Data Index according to the OECD itself are as follows:

• The reuse of Open Government Data (OGD) should be strengthened. Governments have made great efforts to create the formal requirements for dissemination of a large number of data sets in open, non-restrictive and reusable formats. However, few governments have taken an active approach to encourage reuse of data both inside and outside the public sector.
• Delayed implementation of open data policies and practices. Countries such as Czech Republic, Latvia, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia are lagging behind while Canada, France, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States are pioneers, especially in data availability and accessibility of central data portals.
• Most countries have created public platforms where users can play important role in completing the available data and improving its quality.
• Few countries closely follow the economic and social impact of open data, as well as the impact on productivity and efficiency of the public sector.

The OECD is examining how countries can promote productivity and effectiveness of data reuse policies. With more than 200 indicators in its report, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development offers data and ideas with which to understand and compare the policies of each country. Politicians, journalists, academics and the general public can analyse comparative tables by countries in detail and access a clear presentation of the data used to obtain a global overview. More information.

The conclusions of this new edition of the index, regarding the degree of implementation of open data policies in terms of reuse and impact, accessibility and availability, can contribute to the readjustment of public policies in those participating countries. Thus, in the case of Spain, particular emphasis should be placed on aspects related to the availability and accessibility of data, putting the focus on ensuring quality and prioritizing the provision of the data most in demand.

Finally it should be noted how politicians, journalists, academics and the general public can analyse raw data and comparative tables by country in detail, and perform analysis tailored to their needs. More information .