Strategy & Leadership

Open Government Data: Assessing demand around the world

October 19, 2017

Global

October 19, 2017

Global
Charles Ross

Asia editorial director

Charles Ross is Principal of Policy and Insights in Asia-Pacific and leads the region's technology and society practice. Prior to this role, he was editorial director for The Economist Intelligence Unit overseeing all thought leadership research in Asia. Charles combines a deep understanding of how technology trends are reshaping business and society with excellent research and editorial skills, to create impactful and award-winning research programmes for clients. Charles is currently based in Australia and has led many projects analysing the implications for business of new technology trends such as blockchain, fintech, smart cities, cloud computing, sustainability and the internet of things, for Google, Stripe, SAP, Telstra, Microsoft, Prudential, Westpac and the Singapore government. He is a contributing industry expert to the UN Science Policy and Business Forum on the Environment and a frequent speaker at finance and technology events across the region. Charles holds a master of business administration, focusing on strategy and organisational change, from the University of Oxford and a certificate in public policy analysis from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

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What are the benefits and barriers of using open government data?

Open government data (OGD) is information contained in government databases and private servers that can be freely accessed, used and republished by people and businesses. OGD is a relatively recent phenomenon but it’s availability and use has grown significantly in recent years. For example, citizens in many countries now regularly access information related to transportation, the environment and security through apps and via other platforms built on OGD. To be used at its full potential, however, OGD services must align with the interests and requirements of users.

This research conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) titled Open Government Data: Assessing demand around the world, which is sponsored by the Government Technology Agency of Singapore, seeks to understand how citizens are using OGD and the benefits they expect it to bring to society. 

For more discussion on the topics covered in the report or if you have any thoughts to share, do access the Twitter hashtag: 

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