[okfn-za] The marketing case for open government data

Thu May 23 14:24:23 UTC 2013

Hi Nimi

Just one thing to add when it comes to prepping for possible responses: some
gov depts/agencies in South Africa don't want to open up their data to
outsiders because it exposes the mess their data are in. Opening up their
data is tantamount to confirming the lack of capacity in government.
Hopefully the government entity you're trying to convince has their data in
good order.

Two examples of "successful" open data cases:

1.       wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-05/1/bus-routes-mobile-data

2.       prescribinganalytics.com 

Best wishes

Francois 

From: okfn-za-bounces at lists.okfn.org [mailto:okfn-za-bounces at lists.okfn.org]
On Behalf Of Rufus Pollock
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 3:34 PM
To: Nimi Hoffmann
Cc: okfn-za at lists.okfn.org
Subject: Re: [okfn-za] The marketing case for open government data

Hi Nimi,

This sounds really good. To your specific questions:

1. On why do open data, we've distilled some of the key why's down to 3
short items here: http://okfn.org/opendata/

There's also more material in http://opendatahandbook.org/. You also usually
need to deal with a bunch of objections (this will be costly, no-one will
want it, how can we trust people with our data etc) and it is worth
pre-prepping some responses to common ones :-)

2. What orgs celebrate these initiatives: the Open Knowledge Foundation is
one! We have consistently reported on successes and important initiatives
through our news blog at http://blog.okfn.org/ which is internationally read
(you can submit stories to the blog via emailing blog at okfn.org). We have
also connected significant stories with other channels and main stream media
(major newspapers etc).

Rufus

On 23 May 2013 07:59, Nimi Hoffmann <Nimi.Hoffmann at gmail.com> wrote:

Hi all

I'm currently doing a short work stint with a government entity, and there's
the possibility that we could encourage them to make their data (more) open.

To this end, I want to make a strong marketing case to them. Any thoughts on
how to do so?

I've got the following in mind:

1. Open data allows them to create performance indicators along a variety of
dimensions (financial, social, environmental etc.). This allows them to
benchmark themselves against their own performance and that of other
organisations.  
2. This is a  a strong differentiator - not many organisations provide open
data

3. It will improve public engagement and communication, and demonstrate a
tangible commitment to improve their performance.This will enhance their
brand

4. It will improve their self-knowledge as an organisation (i.e. employees
can track what is going on in other divisions). 

Are there any organisations that recognise and celebrate open data
initiatives? Is there some way that they could get a media spin on the
thing, or get recognition from some kind of external agency or institution? 

Cheers,
Nimi

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Rufus Pollock

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