A new report out from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) shows that some progress is being made on its 2009 call for governments to more fully embrace open data. Authors note that state and local governments have, in large part, embraced open data policy and are helping to drive government toward a data driven democracy.
“We’re continually looking at outcomes. Most important are outcomes for citizens and the positive impact we can make on their lives,” said Tony Encinias, co-chair for the NASCIO Enterprise Architecture & Governance Committee and chief information officer for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. “Among the many outcomes possible with open data is connecting with our citizens. Providing them with channels for engaging with government, having influence on what government does and how it does it.”
Open data is facilitating something new to public sector agencies and offices – collaboration. Because government is both the biggest producer and consumer of data, open data initiatives not only provide transparency out to the general public but also provide transparency within the broader government organization. As datasets become available online, other parts of the government can get a glimpse into the activities of agencies and offices they might not otherwise see. “States are closer to a true “enterprise wide” perspective thanks to these open data initiatives,” the report says. Continue>>>
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