Workshop on the Benefits of Open Data: from open data policies to re-use of public sector information

In 2015, the European Commission launched the European Data Portal (EDP) to increase the accessibility of open data in Europe. One of the key goals of this platform is acting as a competence centre to conduct research and provide training in the field of open data. In addition, after the launch of the EDP portal, the pan-European initiative regularly publishes studies and reports to focus on the re-use of public sector information, and identify best practices in the field of data publication. These and other EDP initiatives contribute to the spread the positive impact of the open data sector, which last year generated a market valued at 55.3 billion euros within the European Union +28, which is expected to increase up to 36.9% by 2020.

Taking into account the European context as a reference for other nations, this week, from 20 to 21 March, a workshop on the benefits of open data will be held in Belgium, organized by the DG CONNECT team of the European Commission. With the motto “From open data policies to the reuse of public sector information”, the aim of this workshop, aimed at countries in Eastern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, is to explore the benefits of open data and explain in depth to the participating states the importance of having a policy dedicated to open data.

During two days, the workshop will touch upon the most relevant technical and policy matters and serve as a community-building and awareness raising exercise on the positive impact of open data. The event will also be attended by European representatives of public bodies as Daniele Rizzi, responsible for the open data policy of the European Commission. The experts will share their knowledge and experience carrying out state initiatives on open data and re-use of public sector information; providing advice on technical solutions for the publication of government data and tips for developing open data strategies.

The representative of Iniciativa Aporta at the Red.es, Jose Ignacio Sánchez, Deputy Director of Smart Cities and Open Data of this Public Business Entity, will collaborate as a speaker in the workshop explaining, through the Spanish example, the steps to launch a national open data initiative. Spain, together with the United Kingdom, is a leader in the open data sector in the EU, so its experience can be really useful for countries starting in the open data movement.

This workshop will be a good opportunity to networking with public representatives from non-European countries who wish to advance their open data strategies. Through international collaboration, it is possible to consolidate the movement around the world, combining synergies to jointly face the challenges of opening up information and finding solutions that help increase the benefits of reusing data.