Affiliations: Managing Directors and Co-founders, Open Data Watch,
Washington, DC, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Misha V. Belkindas, Managing Director and
Co-founder, Open Data Watch, Washington, DC, USA. E-mail:
MishaBelkindas@opendatawatch.com
Abstract: Data openness is an important issue for statistical systems in many
countries, particularly in the developing world. Data do not become
¡°open¡± overnight, even if governments so desire.
Openness has several components. First, one has to deal with legal issues of
openness. Then there are organizational and technical issues, having to do with
compiling and presenting data in open formats. In addition, underlying data
quality issues surface when data become more open. Furthermore, there are often
conflicting interests advocating for or trying to limit data openness, within
the government, in civil society, and in the private sector. Therefore, opening
databases cannot be accomplished by a simple act of "good will" on the part of
government; it entails a lot of preparation and the balancing of many
interests. While large, multilateral organizations have recently become notable
advocates of open data and, more broadly, "open government," their interests
and practical capacities are often limited by their mandate: some may be
interested only in economic statistics, or national-level health statistics,
for example. And large international agencies are often unable or unwilling to
engage with civil society organizations or other interest groups, who are
potential users and producers of data. Still there is a need for their
financial support for complex reforms. But these agencies may themselves be
limited in their authority or capacity. Furthermore large multilateral
organizations may not be able to engage civil society in some countries due to
political antagonisms or other circumstances. Therefore there is a niche for
non-governmental organizations, bringing international experience adaptable to
local conditions to serve as technical resources and trusted advisers to
governments and to act as go-betweens with foundations and international
agencies that are prepared to support open data reforms.
Keywords: Open data, transparency, non-governmental organizations
