Open data directives and policies

Abstract

In developing open data policies, organizations aim to stimulate and guide the publication and use of data and to gain advantages from this. Often open data policies are guided by a high-level directive, such as those of the United States (Obama, 2009b) and the European Commission (European Commission, 2013c). Open data policies are important, as their purpose is often to ensure the long-term availability of government information to create transparency and thereby to contribute to citizens’ rights to public access to government information. This right is considered a fundamental tenet of democracy (Allen, 1992). Moreover, open data policies have the potential to increase the participation, interaction, self-empowerment and social inclusion of open data users (e.g. citizens) and providers alike, stimulating economic growth and innovation and realizing many other advantages.