Getting The Most Out Of Open Data

Open data strategies — initially driven by goals of increased transparency and accountability in government spending and performance — are now shifting to supporting innovation and creating economic value. The history of weather and GPS data demonstrates the value of open data; both data sets have created multibillion dollar industries. But new mandates for data openness coupled with increasing volumes of data will challenge the public and the private sectors alike. Businesses recognize limitations to using only internal data to inform decisions and enhance product and services offerings, but they are unfamiliar with newly available data and with the techniques for consuming it. Many government agencies, having initially launched programs focused on getting data sets online quickly, now wonder how to create viable open data programs to address new mandates and growing data volumes. Forrester's people, objectives, strategy, and technology (POST) plus execution and revision (ER) methodology provides a framework for developing and executing sustainable data programs. And a cadre of data brokers will step up to bridge the skills gaps, create marketplaces, and facilitate engagement among players in the ecosystem. Creating economic value through an ecosystem of data providers and consumers will best ensure the longevity of open data.