Open Data passes another global milestone!

Open Data logged another step in its progress to make the world more transparent, when hundreds of public servants, NGOs, journalists and developers gathered in a former factory building in Warsaw this week for be the world’s biggest ever open data event.

Over 40 countries around the world were represented at the camp, from city level projects in Manchester, Montreal or Munich to national initiatives like data.gov, as well as supranational institutions like the European Commission and the World Bank.

Professor Nigel Shadbolt, Head of the Web and Internet Science research group in ECS-Electronics and Computer Science, commented: “Open Government Data creates social and economic value, improves public services, makes Governments more efficient, transparent and accountable. This Conference was about ensuring that more people understand how to make this work, more people can tackle the challenges and obstacles that arise, and more people are inspired to continue the work.”

Professor Shadbolt sits on the UK Government’s Public Sector Transparency Board.

Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission and Digital Agenda Commissioner, commented at the event: “I am thrilled to see so much open data innovation going on in Europe. There is tremendous potential in this area - from enabling next generation public services, to creating jobs in the digital single market. This year's Open Government Data Camp in Warsaw will enable key stakeholders from across Europe to exchange ideas and expertise.”

Chris Taggart, Founder of OpenCorporates.com, commented: “Despite the successes of the past few years, the open data community faces considerable obstacles, from proprietary web services to governments who see open data as a threat. Open Government Data Camp will connect people who are serious about overcoming these issues and using open data to help to solve some of the world’s pressing problems.”