Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10
Locked
Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10
 
|
Gerry Tychon: What would you say are the factors affecting the delays
in getting the data you've asked for: is it bureaucracy, an unwillingness to publish more sensitive datasets, or something else?
Are there any other lessons you've learned along this process, vis-a-vis success/failures of the Open data movement?
Michael Roberts & Michael Lenczner:
Would be very useful to know if there are certain types of projects that receive more funding in the UK, or whether certain business models have
worked there that haven't worked here in Canada. If government transparency isn't always the most effective argument,
is ROI from Open data projects (e.g. reducing wasted efforts) an argument that has traction with funders? Re social media & evolution of search, a great question (for ODX) is how will web, mobile, and social applications evolve as Open data
becomes more developer friendly (API access to data sources, smart privacy controls, complete metadata, RDF annotation.)
We are arguably still in a widget & app paradigm, where each project focusses on a specific problem, integrations are limited.
What will be possible when all of the back-end data tech. is automatic? Here's a couple web searches we can't do today but should be able to in 5 years: "I want to do some community work in exchange for lunch today in my neighborhood, preferably with someone in my personal network."
"If I get a degree in botany, what will my job prospects be like in 5 years in North America." Ted Strauss On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 2:54 PM, <[hidden email]> wrote: Send CivicAccess-discuss mailing list submissions to |
Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10
|
|
On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 12:47 PM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> wrote:
> Gerry Tychon: > What would you say are the factors affecting the delays > in getting the data you've asked for: is it bureaucracy, an unwillingness > to publish more sensitive datasets, or something else? > Are there any other lessons you've learned along this process, vis-a-vis > success/failures of the Open data movement? > > Michael Roberts & Michael Lenczner: > Would be very useful to know if there are certain types of projects that > receive more funding in the UK, Uh, all the projects. :) Democracy projects, international aid projects, open corporates, etc. I attended open data conferences in 2004 in London. We're kind of just ... behind. > or whether certain business models have > worked there that haven't worked here in Canada. I don't know any of those cases, but I'm not aware of the UK Open data projects that are self-funded (I have no doubt that there are some). > If government transparency isn't always the most effective argument, > is ROI from Open data projects (e.g. reducing wasted efforts) an argument > that has traction with funders? Depends. We used that argument a lot when we were doing lobbying at the municipal level, although it didn't end up being the arguments that they used to explain their actions. On a separate note, if you plan on participating on this list instead observing, you should probably switch from digest mode to regular mode. Both for the convenience of other users and for posteriety (mailing list archives). > > Re social media & evolution of search, a great question (for ODX) is > how will web, mobile, and social applications evolve as Open data > becomes more developer friendly (API access to data sources, > smart privacy controls, complete metadata, RDF annotation.) > We are arguably still in a widget & app paradigm, where each project > focusses on a specific problem, integrations are limited. > What will be possible when all of the back-end data tech. is automatic? > > Here's a couple web searches we can't do today but should be able to in 5 > years: > "I want to do some community work in exchange for lunch today in my > neighborhood, preferably with someone in my personal network." > "If I get a degree in botany, what will my job prospects be like in 5 years > in North America." > > Ted Strauss > cheers, Mike > > > On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 2:54 PM, > <[hidden email]> wrote: >> >> Send CivicAccess-discuss mailing list submissions to >> [hidden email] >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >> [hidden email] >> >> You can reach the person managing the list at >> [hidden email] >> >> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >> than "Re: Contents of CivicAccess-discuss digest..." >> >> >> Today's Topics: >> >> 1. Re: Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal (Gerry Tychon) >> 2. Canada: Crown Copyright, Legal Access and Teranet Surveys - >> T. Scassa (Tracey P. Lauriault) >> 3. Legal Issues in Cartography: Information Maps, Freedom of >> Expression and Privacy - T. Scassa (Tracey P. Lauriault) >> 4. Re: Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal (Michael Roberts) >> 5. Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 9 (Ted Strauss) >> 6. Invitation to Join Discussion re: Open Government Partnership >> (OGP) process in Canada (michael gurstein) >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> Message: 1 >> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:11:33 -0700 >> From: Gerry Tychon <[hidden email]> >> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]> >> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal >> Message-ID: <[hidden email]> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed >> >> I think I would like to say that the "disconnect" is not between the >> "data published" and the people but rather it is a disconnect between >> the "data publishers" and the data consumers. Not only am I waiting for >> data I asked for but I am still waiting for an acknowledgment that I >> even asked for the data. >> >> On 11/01/2013 9:48 AM, Michael Lenczner wrote: >> > My two "favorite" problems would be: >> > >> > 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that people >> > want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >> > municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >> > >> > and >> > >> > 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which is >> > connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >> > don't have viable business models. >> > >> > >> > >> > On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 8:34 AM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >> > wrote: >> >> The Open Data Exchange 2013 (odx13.com) is a mini-conference bringing >> >> together Open Data experts and enthusiasts to discuss achievements and >> >> challenges of using data for citizen engagement, international aid, >> >> scientific research, and more. It is happening April 6 in Montreal, at >> >> Jeanne Sauv? House. Registration is free. ODX is being organized by Ted >> >> Strauss (me) and Naomi Kincler, who are the co-founders of the startup >> >> Trudat, launching later this year. >> >> >> >> I'm writing to civicaction today to kickstart some of the discussions >> >> that >> >> will take place at ODX. This is especially relevant since a few people >> >> on >> >> this list have been invited as panelists for the event. >> >> >> >> One of the first topics we will address are the achievements and >> >> challenges >> >> of the Open Data movement since it began roughly five years ago. >> >> >> >> Leaving aside that 'Open data' will mean different things to different >> >> people, I'll suggest a few trends I consider notable. Please jump in >> >> and >> >> suggest your own. Be as specific/general/controversial/technical as you >> >> like. >> >> >> >> #1. Infographics in newspapers, online news, social media, and apps >> >> have >> >> raised the basic understanding by mainstream media consumers of >> >> data-oriented displays. When used well, infographics help people >> >> understand >> >> the world better so they can make better decisions. This also has >> >> tangible >> >> benefits for justice, public health, resource efficiency, etc. The >> >> challenge >> >> is that infographics can be -and often are- poorly executed, overly >> >> simplistic, or intentionally misleading. Like any other media. >> >> >> >> #2. Hundreds of cities, regions, and countries have launched open data >> >> portals with permissive licensing, allowing people to do great things >> >> with >> >> their data. The challenges with some of these portals however is that >> >> there >> >> are still technical and economic barriers to accessing many of these >> >> datasets, as well as a lack of tools to access and use them in >> >> meaningful >> >> ways. >> >> >> >> #3. Scientific consortiums have launched repositories and tools for >> >> sharing >> >> data, code, and publications. This accelerates scientific discovery and >> >> knowledge dissemination. The challenge however is that exponential >> >> growth of >> >> scientific data is not being met by solutions that overcome the >> >> challenges >> >> of usability, interoperability, and open dissemination. >> >> >> >> Ted Strauss >> >> Trudat >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> >> [hidden email] >> >> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> > _______________________________________________ >> > CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> > [hidden email] >> > http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> > >> >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 2 >> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:28:10 -0500 >> From: "Tracey P. Lauriault" <[hidden email]> >> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]>, >> [hidden email], [hidden email] >> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Canada: Crown Copyright, Legal Access >> and Teranet Surveys - T. Scassa >> Message-ID: >> >> <[hidden email]> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >> >> Copyright in Public Documents >> >> http://www.teresascassa.ca/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=114:copyright-in-public-documents&Itemid=81 >> >> >> -- >> Tracey P. Lauriault >> Post Doctoral Fellow >> Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre >> https://gcrc.carleton.ca/confluence/display/GCRCWEB/Lauriault >> http://datalibre.ca/ >> 613-234-2805 >> -------------- next part -------------- >> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> URL: >> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/9f2ce82e/attachment-0001.html> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 3 >> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:30:19 -0500 >> From: "Tracey P. Lauriault" <[hidden email]> >> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]>, CAGLIST >> <[hidden email]>, CCA List <[hidden email]>, >> [hidden email] >> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Legal Issues in Cartography: >> Information Maps, Freedom of Expression and Privacy - T. Scassa >> Message-ID: >> >> <CAPT_w+=[hidden email]> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >> >> Information Maps, Freedom of Expression and Privacy >> >> http://www.teresascassa.ca/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=116:information-maps-freedom-of-expression-and-privacy&Itemid=81 >> >> -- >> Tracey P. Lauriault >> Post Doctoral Fellow >> Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre >> https://gcrc.carleton.ca/confluence/display/GCRCWEB/Lauriault >> http://datalibre.ca/ >> 613-234-2805 >> -------------- next part -------------- >> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> URL: >> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/2f27e33f/attachment-0001.html> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 4 >> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:03:43 -0500 >> From: Michael Roberts <[hidden email]> >> To: [hidden email], civicaccess discuss >> <[hidden email]> >> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal >> Message-ID: <[hidden email]> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 >> >> Hi Gerry, all, >> >> I think in Canada what Michael Lenczer says may be true re: 3). In the >> UK, I see an incredible amount of both interest and funding for open data >> initiatives. Why isn't that the case in Canada? What's positive about >> what you say is that you are demanding this data at all. It wasn't always >> that way. >> >> I think there are two other issues; data engagement and finding data >> easily. To publish data as a public good is important. Second, how can >> tools like social media play a role in the engagement of this data, and >> third, how can search change to help us find and use this data. >> >> Cheers, >> Michael >> >> On 2013-01-11, at 12:11 PM, Gerry Tychon <[hidden email]> wrote: >> >> I think I would like to say that the "disconnect" is not between the "data >> published" and the people but rather it is a disconnect between the "data >> publishers" and the data consumers. Not only am I waiting for data I asked >> for but I am still waiting for an acknowledgment that I even asked for the >> data. >> >> On 11/01/2013 9:48 AM, Michael Lenczner wrote: >> > My two "favorite" problems would be: >> > >> > 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that people >> > want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >> > municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >> > >> > and >> > >> > 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which is >> > connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >> > don't have viable business models. >> > >> > >> > >> > On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 8:34 AM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >> > wrote: >> >> The Open Data Exchange 2013 (odx13.com) is a mini-conference bringing >> >> together Open Data experts and enthusiasts to discuss achievements and >> >> challenges of using data for citizen engagement, international aid, >> >> scientific research, and more. It is happening April 6 in Montreal, at >> >> Jeanne Sauv? House. Registration is free. ODX is being organized by Ted >> >> Strauss (me) and Naomi Kincler, who are the co-founders of the startup >> >> Trudat, launching later this year. >> >> >> >> I'm writing to civicaction today to kickstart some of the discussions >> >> that >> >> will take place at ODX. This is especially relevant since a few people >> >> on >> >> this list have been invited as panelists for the event. >> >> >> >> One of the first topics we will address are the achievements and >> >> challenges >> >> of the Open Data movement since it began roughly five years ago. >> >> >> >> Leaving aside that 'Open data' will mean different things to different >> >> people, I'll suggest a few trends I consider notable. Please jump in >> >> and >> >> suggest your own. Be as specific/general/controversial/technical as you >> >> like. >> >> >> >> #1. Infographics in newspapers, online news, social media, and apps >> >> have >> >> raised the basic understanding by mainstream media consumers of >> >> data-oriented displays. When used well, infographics help people >> >> understand >> >> the world better so they can make better decisions. This also has >> >> tangible >> >> benefits for justice, public health, resource efficiency, etc. The >> >> challenge >> >> is that infographics can be -and often are- poorly executed, overly >> >> simplistic, or intentionally misleading. Like any other media. >> >> >> >> #2. Hundreds of cities, regions, and countries have launched open data >> >> portals with permissive licensing, allowing people to do great things >> >> with >> >> their data. The challenges with some of these portals however is that >> >> there >> >> are still technical and economic barriers to accessing many of these >> >> datasets, as well as a lack of tools to access and use them in >> >> meaningful >> >> ways. >> >> >> >> #3. Scientific consortiums have launched repositories and tools for >> >> sharing >> >> data, code, and publications. This accelerates scientific discovery and >> >> knowledge dissemination. The challenge however is that exponential >> >> growth of >> >> scientific data is not being met by solutions that overcome the >> >> challenges >> >> of usability, interoperability, and open dissemination. >> >> >> >> Ted Strauss >> >> Trudat >> >> >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> >> [hidden email] >> >> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> > _______________________________________________ >> > CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> > [hidden email] >> > http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> > >> >> _______________________________________________ >> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> [hidden email] >> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> >> -------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> Michael Roberts -- Acclar Open Aid Data >> web: www.acclar.org >> email: [hidden email] >> >> facebook: http://www.facebook.com/acclar.open >> twitter: @acclar >> skype: mroberts_112 >> >> >> >> >> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 5 >> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:09:27 -0500 >> From: Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >> To: [hidden email] >> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, >> Issue 9 >> Message-ID: >> >> <[hidden email]> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >> >> > >> > My two "favorite" problems would be: >> > >> > 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that people >> > want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >> > municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >> > >> > >> > >> Figuring out what people want is a great challenge, since it's complicated >> to know what data exists, why it should be open, and what problems can >> be solved with it. How can we take some of the mystery out of that >> process, >> so more people can contribute their ideas, and imagine >> >> >> > >> > 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which is >> > connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >> > don't have viable business models. >> > >> >> I think Tim Berners-Lee's 5 stars <http://5stardata.info/>of open data >> would go a long way to address >> your #2, interoperability being the big barrier. >> -------------- next part -------------- >> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> URL: >> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/1fb19da4/attachment-0001.html> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> Message: 6 >> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:52:12 -0800 >> From: "michael gurstein" <[hidden email]> >> To: <[hidden email]>, <[hidden email]>, >> "civicaccess discuss" <[hidden email]> >> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Invitation to Join Discussion re: Open >> Government Partnership (OGP) process in Canada >> Message-ID: <001801cdf035$2683d7c0$738b8740$@gmail.com> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >> >> Dear colleagues, >> >> >> >> We are Canadians who have been actively involved with the Open Government >> Partnership (OGP) process, including by participating in the OGP meeting >> in >> Brasilia in April 2012. The OGP is a joint government - civil society >> initiative to promote greater openness, participation and accountability >> in >> countries which have already attained a minimum standard of openness. >> Canada >> joined the OGP in September 2011. >> >> >> >> Participation by interested stakeholders is a key feature of the design of >> the OGP. There is equal representation of civil society and government >> representatives on the lead body of the OGP, the Steering Committee. More >> importantly, a key mechanism of the OGP is for countries to develop and >> then >> implement Action Plans setting out their commitments for moving forward in >> terms of openness, participation and accountability. Governments are >> formally required to consult extensively with civil society and other >> interested stakeholders in developing and delivering on their Action >> Plans. >> Civil society will also play a key role in reporting on progress in >> implementing Action Plans, including through its participation in a >> parallel >> Independent Reporting Mechanism, which will present its findings on >> progress >> alongside those of the government. >> >> >> >> In several countries, civil society groups and other stakeholders have >> formed networks or coalitions to work together to help ensure effective >> external input into the development, implementation and evaluation of >> Action >> Plans. We are proposing to set up such a network in Canada and we are >> proposing, as a first step, to establish a discussion list involving >> external (i.e. non-government) groups and individuals who have a >> demonstrated commitment to open government and who are interested in >> getting >> engaged in this important work. We envisage this as a loose and open >> network, through which anyone could propose discussions, ideas or action >> points relating to OGP. The network would have no voice or right of action >> of its own, and so participation in the network or the discussion list >> would >> not involve any obligations or engagements. >> >> >> >> As an example of how the network might work, we note that, to date, Canada >> has not complied with its OGP obligations in the area of consultations. >> There was very limited civil society or other stakeholder participation in >> the development of the Action Plan, which Canada presented in Brasilia in >> April, and there has been little consultation since then on implementation >> of the Plan. The network might through the e-list discuss this issue and >> come up with actions which interested groups and/or individuals could >> participate in (always on a voluntary basis). >> >> >> >> Please let us know if you are interested in joining such an initiative. To >> join, visit: >> http://ogp.opengovcanada.ca/mailman/listinfo/discussion_opengovcanada.ca >> and >> follow the subscription instructions. If you have any questions, please >> send >> these to [hidden email]. >> >> >> >> Thanks for your attention and interest in these key issues. >> >> >> >> David Eaves, >> >> Open Government Advocate and OpenNorth Board Member >> >> Vancouver, BC >> >> >> >> Michael Gurstein Ph.D. >> >> Centre for Community Informatics Research, Development and Training >> >> Vancouver, BC >> >> >> >> Toby Mendel >> >> Executive Director, Centre for Law and Democracy >> >> Halifax, NS >> >> -------------- next part -------------- >> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> URL: >> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/aac242c0/attachment.html> >> >> ------------------------------ >> >> _______________________________________________ >> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> [hidden email] >> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> >> End of CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10 >> *************************************************** > > > > _______________________________________________ > CivicAccess-discuss mailing list > [hidden email] > http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss |
Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10
|
|
On 2013-01-13, at 3:08 PM, Michael Lenczner wrote: > On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 12:47 PM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> wrote: >> Gerry Tychon: >> What would you say are the factors affecting the delays >> in getting the data you've asked for: is it bureaucracy, an unwillingness >> to publish more sensitive datasets, or something else? >> Are there any other lessons you've learned along this process, vis-a-vis >> success/failures of the Open data movement? >> >> Michael Roberts & Michael Lenczner: >> Would be very useful to know if there are certain types of projects that >> receive more funding in the UK, > > Uh, all the projects. :) Democracy projects, international aid > projects, open corporates, etc. I attended open data conferences in > 2004 in London. We're kind of just ... behind. > >> or whether certain business models have >> worked there that haven't worked here in Canada. > > I don't know any of those cases, but I'm not aware of the UK Open data > projects that are self-funded (I have no doubt that there are some). UK foundation and government funding for civic projects like mySociety's has all but dried up. Around the time mySociety launched in 2003-2004, the UK government was putting a lot of money towards online innovation in the civic sector. That hasn't been the case for a few years. NESTA continues to invest in social innovation, but with less emphasis on online projects. mySociety now gets its biggest grants from Open Society and Omidyar Network for its international work - not for its work in the UK. In terms of self-funding, mySociety also has a for-profit that sells products and services to local governments, like its petition websites and customized FixMyStreet.com. Grants are still its primary source of funding. I don't know of OpenCorporates receiving any funding. It's a for-profit corporation, which eliminates most sources of funding. OpenCorporates founder Chris Taggart also runs OpenlyLocal.com, which AFAIK has only received a small grant from NESTA to integrate and relaunch PlanningAlerts.com. The Open Knowledge Foundation won a Knight News Challenge, and gets significant funding from the Omidyar Network, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and Open Society. In terms of self-funding, it sells CKAN, its open data catalogue. I don't know that any of its work is UK-specific (a good strategy for getting significant funding!). The only country that I know of with a strong philanthropic community for open government projects is the US. The UK still invests a lot in structuring open data initiatives, e.g. its £10M gift to the Open Data Institute, but I haven't seen any big gifts to specific open data projects (e.g. to create an open data standard for a specific use case) or to other open government projects in recent years. The UK is ahead in terms of culture and knowledge with respect to open data and open government, but I would no longer say that it's ahead in terms of funding every kind of open data/govt project. >> If government transparency isn't always the most effective argument, >> is ROI from Open data projects (e.g. reducing wasted efforts) an argument >> that has traction with funders? > > Depends. We used that argument a lot when we were doing lobbying at > the municipal level, although it didn't end up being the arguments > that they used to explain their actions. > > On a separate note, if you plan on participating on this list instead > observing, you should probably switch from digest mode to regular > mode. Both for the convenience of other users and for posteriety > (mailing list archives). > >> >> Re social media & evolution of search, a great question (for ODX) is >> how will web, mobile, and social applications evolve as Open data >> becomes more developer friendly (API access to data sources, >> smart privacy controls, complete metadata, RDF annotation.) >> We are arguably still in a widget & app paradigm, where each project >> focusses on a specific problem, integrations are limited. >> What will be possible when all of the back-end data tech. is automatic? >> >> Here's a couple web searches we can't do today but should be able to in 5 >> years: >> "I want to do some community work in exchange for lunch today in my >> neighborhood, preferably with someone in my personal network." >> "If I get a degree in botany, what will my job prospects be like in 5 years >> in North America." >> >> Ted Strauss >> > > cheers, > > Mike > >> >> >> On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 2:54 PM, >> <[hidden email]> wrote: >>> >>> Send CivicAccess-discuss mailing list submissions to >>> [hidden email] >>> >>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >>> [hidden email] >>> >>> You can reach the person managing the list at >>> [hidden email] >>> >>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >>> than "Re: Contents of CivicAccess-discuss digest..." >>> >>> >>> Today's Topics: >>> >>> 1. Re: Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal (Gerry Tychon) >>> 2. Canada: Crown Copyright, Legal Access and Teranet Surveys - >>> T. Scassa (Tracey P. Lauriault) >>> 3. Legal Issues in Cartography: Information Maps, Freedom of >>> Expression and Privacy - T. Scassa (Tracey P. Lauriault) >>> 4. Re: Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal (Michael Roberts) >>> 5. Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 9 (Ted Strauss) >>> 6. Invitation to Join Discussion re: Open Government Partnership >>> (OGP) process in Canada (michael gurstein) >>> >>> >>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >>> >>> Message: 1 >>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:11:33 -0700 >>> From: Gerry Tychon <[hidden email]> >>> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]> >>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal >>> Message-ID: <[hidden email]> >>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed >>> >>> I think I would like to say that the "disconnect" is not between the >>> "data published" and the people but rather it is a disconnect between >>> the "data publishers" and the data consumers. Not only am I waiting for >>> data I asked for but I am still waiting for an acknowledgment that I >>> even asked for the data. >>> >>> On 11/01/2013 9:48 AM, Michael Lenczner wrote: >>>> My two "favorite" problems would be: >>>> >>>> 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that people >>>> want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >>>> municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >>>> >>>> and >>>> >>>> 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which is >>>> connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >>>> don't have viable business models. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 8:34 AM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >>>> wrote: >>>>> The Open Data Exchange 2013 (odx13.com) is a mini-conference bringing >>>>> together Open Data experts and enthusiasts to discuss achievements and >>>>> challenges of using data for citizen engagement, international aid, >>>>> scientific research, and more. It is happening April 6 in Montreal, at >>>>> Jeanne Sauv? House. Registration is free. ODX is being organized by Ted >>>>> Strauss (me) and Naomi Kincler, who are the co-founders of the startup >>>>> Trudat, launching later this year. >>>>> >>>>> I'm writing to civicaction today to kickstart some of the discussions >>>>> that >>>>> will take place at ODX. This is especially relevant since a few people >>>>> on >>>>> this list have been invited as panelists for the event. >>>>> >>>>> One of the first topics we will address are the achievements and >>>>> challenges >>>>> of the Open Data movement since it began roughly five years ago. >>>>> >>>>> Leaving aside that 'Open data' will mean different things to different >>>>> people, I'll suggest a few trends I consider notable. Please jump in >>>>> and >>>>> suggest your own. Be as specific/general/controversial/technical as you >>>>> like. >>>>> >>>>> #1. Infographics in newspapers, online news, social media, and apps >>>>> have >>>>> raised the basic understanding by mainstream media consumers of >>>>> data-oriented displays. When used well, infographics help people >>>>> understand >>>>> the world better so they can make better decisions. This also has >>>>> tangible >>>>> benefits for justice, public health, resource efficiency, etc. The >>>>> challenge >>>>> is that infographics can be -and often are- poorly executed, overly >>>>> simplistic, or intentionally misleading. Like any other media. >>>>> >>>>> #2. Hundreds of cities, regions, and countries have launched open data >>>>> portals with permissive licensing, allowing people to do great things >>>>> with >>>>> their data. The challenges with some of these portals however is that >>>>> there >>>>> are still technical and economic barriers to accessing many of these >>>>> datasets, as well as a lack of tools to access and use them in >>>>> meaningful >>>>> ways. >>>>> >>>>> #3. Scientific consortiums have launched repositories and tools for >>>>> sharing >>>>> data, code, and publications. This accelerates scientific discovery and >>>>> knowledge dissemination. The challenge however is that exponential >>>>> growth of >>>>> scientific data is not being met by solutions that overcome the >>>>> challenges >>>>> of usability, interoperability, and open dissemination. >>>>> >>>>> Ted Strauss >>>>> Trudat >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>>> [hidden email] >>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>> [hidden email] >>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> Message: 2 >>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:28:10 -0500 >>> From: "Tracey P. Lauriault" <[hidden email]> >>> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]>, >>> [hidden email], [hidden email] >>> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Canada: Crown Copyright, Legal Access >>> and Teranet Surveys - T. Scassa >>> Message-ID: >>> >>> <[hidden email]> >>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >>> >>> Copyright in Public Documents >>> >>> http://www.teresascassa.ca/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=114:copyright-in-public-documents&Itemid=81 >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Tracey P. Lauriault >>> Post Doctoral Fellow >>> Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre >>> https://gcrc.carleton.ca/confluence/display/GCRCWEB/Lauriault >>> http://datalibre.ca/ >>> 613-234-2805 >>> -------------- next part -------------- >>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>> URL: >>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/9f2ce82e/attachment-0001.html> >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> Message: 3 >>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:30:19 -0500 >>> From: "Tracey P. Lauriault" <[hidden email]> >>> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]>, CAGLIST >>> <[hidden email]>, CCA List <[hidden email]>, >>> [hidden email] >>> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Legal Issues in Cartography: >>> Information Maps, Freedom of Expression and Privacy - T. Scassa >>> Message-ID: >>> >>> <CAPT_w+=[hidden email]> >>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >>> >>> Information Maps, Freedom of Expression and Privacy >>> >>> http://www.teresascassa.ca/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=116:information-maps-freedom-of-expression-and-privacy&Itemid=81 >>> >>> -- >>> Tracey P. Lauriault >>> Post Doctoral Fellow >>> Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre >>> https://gcrc.carleton.ca/confluence/display/GCRCWEB/Lauriault >>> http://datalibre.ca/ >>> 613-234-2805 >>> -------------- next part -------------- >>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>> URL: >>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/2f27e33f/attachment-0001.html> >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> Message: 4 >>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:03:43 -0500 >>> From: Michael Roberts <[hidden email]> >>> To: [hidden email], civicaccess discuss >>> <[hidden email]> >>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal >>> Message-ID: <[hidden email]> >>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 >>> >>> Hi Gerry, all, >>> >>> I think in Canada what Michael Lenczer says may be true re: 3). In the >>> UK, I see an incredible amount of both interest and funding for open data >>> initiatives. Why isn't that the case in Canada? What's positive about >>> what you say is that you are demanding this data at all. It wasn't always >>> that way. >>> >>> I think there are two other issues; data engagement and finding data >>> easily. To publish data as a public good is important. Second, how can >>> tools like social media play a role in the engagement of this data, and >>> third, how can search change to help us find and use this data. >>> >>> Cheers, >>> Michael >>> >>> On 2013-01-11, at 12:11 PM, Gerry Tychon <[hidden email]> wrote: >>> >>> I think I would like to say that the "disconnect" is not between the "data >>> published" and the people but rather it is a disconnect between the "data >>> publishers" and the data consumers. Not only am I waiting for data I asked >>> for but I am still waiting for an acknowledgment that I even asked for the >>> data. >>> >>> On 11/01/2013 9:48 AM, Michael Lenczner wrote: >>>> My two "favorite" problems would be: >>>> >>>> 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that people >>>> want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >>>> municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >>>> >>>> and >>>> >>>> 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which is >>>> connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >>>> don't have viable business models. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 8:34 AM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >>>> wrote: >>>>> The Open Data Exchange 2013 (odx13.com) is a mini-conference bringing >>>>> together Open Data experts and enthusiasts to discuss achievements and >>>>> challenges of using data for citizen engagement, international aid, >>>>> scientific research, and more. It is happening April 6 in Montreal, at >>>>> Jeanne Sauv? House. Registration is free. ODX is being organized by Ted >>>>> Strauss (me) and Naomi Kincler, who are the co-founders of the startup >>>>> Trudat, launching later this year. >>>>> >>>>> I'm writing to civicaction today to kickstart some of the discussions >>>>> that >>>>> will take place at ODX. This is especially relevant since a few people >>>>> on >>>>> this list have been invited as panelists for the event. >>>>> >>>>> One of the first topics we will address are the achievements and >>>>> challenges >>>>> of the Open Data movement since it began roughly five years ago. >>>>> >>>>> Leaving aside that 'Open data' will mean different things to different >>>>> people, I'll suggest a few trends I consider notable. Please jump in >>>>> and >>>>> suggest your own. Be as specific/general/controversial/technical as you >>>>> like. >>>>> >>>>> #1. Infographics in newspapers, online news, social media, and apps >>>>> have >>>>> raised the basic understanding by mainstream media consumers of >>>>> data-oriented displays. When used well, infographics help people >>>>> understand >>>>> the world better so they can make better decisions. This also has >>>>> tangible >>>>> benefits for justice, public health, resource efficiency, etc. The >>>>> challenge >>>>> is that infographics can be -and often are- poorly executed, overly >>>>> simplistic, or intentionally misleading. Like any other media. >>>>> >>>>> #2. Hundreds of cities, regions, and countries have launched open data >>>>> portals with permissive licensing, allowing people to do great things >>>>> with >>>>> their data. The challenges with some of these portals however is that >>>>> there >>>>> are still technical and economic barriers to accessing many of these >>>>> datasets, as well as a lack of tools to access and use them in >>>>> meaningful >>>>> ways. >>>>> >>>>> #3. Scientific consortiums have launched repositories and tools for >>>>> sharing >>>>> data, code, and publications. This accelerates scientific discovery and >>>>> knowledge dissemination. The challenge however is that exponential >>>>> growth of >>>>> scientific data is not being met by solutions that overcome the >>>>> challenges >>>>> of usability, interoperability, and open dissemination. >>>>> >>>>> Ted Strauss >>>>> Trudat >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>>> [hidden email] >>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>> [hidden email] >>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>> [hidden email] >>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>> >>> -------------------------------------------------------------------------- >>> Michael Roberts -- Acclar Open Aid Data >>> web: www.acclar.org >>> email: [hidden email] >>> >>> facebook: http://www.facebook.com/acclar.open >>> twitter: @acclar >>> skype: mroberts_112 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> Message: 5 >>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:09:27 -0500 >>> From: Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >>> To: [hidden email] >>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, >>> Issue 9 >>> Message-ID: >>> >>> <[hidden email]> >>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >>> >>>> >>>> My two "favorite" problems would be: >>>> >>>> 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that people >>>> want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >>>> municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> Figuring out what people want is a great challenge, since it's complicated >>> to know what data exists, why it should be open, and what problems can >>> be solved with it. How can we take some of the mystery out of that >>> process, >>> so more people can contribute their ideas, and imagine >>> >>> >>>> >>>> 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which is >>>> connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >>>> don't have viable business models. >>>> >>> >>> I think Tim Berners-Lee's 5 stars <http://5stardata.info/>of open data >>> would go a long way to address >>> your #2, interoperability being the big barrier. >>> -------------- next part -------------- >>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>> URL: >>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/1fb19da4/attachment-0001.html> >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> Message: 6 >>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:52:12 -0800 >>> From: "michael gurstein" <[hidden email]> >>> To: <[hidden email]>, <[hidden email]>, >>> "civicaccess discuss" <[hidden email]> >>> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Invitation to Join Discussion re: Open >>> Government Partnership (OGP) process in Canada >>> Message-ID: <001801cdf035$2683d7c0$738b8740$@gmail.com> >>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >>> >>> Dear colleagues, >>> >>> >>> >>> We are Canadians who have been actively involved with the Open Government >>> Partnership (OGP) process, including by participating in the OGP meeting >>> in >>> Brasilia in April 2012. The OGP is a joint government - civil society >>> initiative to promote greater openness, participation and accountability >>> in >>> countries which have already attained a minimum standard of openness. >>> Canada >>> joined the OGP in September 2011. >>> >>> >>> >>> Participation by interested stakeholders is a key feature of the design of >>> the OGP. There is equal representation of civil society and government >>> representatives on the lead body of the OGP, the Steering Committee. More >>> importantly, a key mechanism of the OGP is for countries to develop and >>> then >>> implement Action Plans setting out their commitments for moving forward in >>> terms of openness, participation and accountability. Governments are >>> formally required to consult extensively with civil society and other >>> interested stakeholders in developing and delivering on their Action >>> Plans. >>> Civil society will also play a key role in reporting on progress in >>> implementing Action Plans, including through its participation in a >>> parallel >>> Independent Reporting Mechanism, which will present its findings on >>> progress >>> alongside those of the government. >>> >>> >>> >>> In several countries, civil society groups and other stakeholders have >>> formed networks or coalitions to work together to help ensure effective >>> external input into the development, implementation and evaluation of >>> Action >>> Plans. We are proposing to set up such a network in Canada and we are >>> proposing, as a first step, to establish a discussion list involving >>> external (i.e. non-government) groups and individuals who have a >>> demonstrated commitment to open government and who are interested in >>> getting >>> engaged in this important work. We envisage this as a loose and open >>> network, through which anyone could propose discussions, ideas or action >>> points relating to OGP. The network would have no voice or right of action >>> of its own, and so participation in the network or the discussion list >>> would >>> not involve any obligations or engagements. >>> >>> >>> >>> As an example of how the network might work, we note that, to date, Canada >>> has not complied with its OGP obligations in the area of consultations. >>> There was very limited civil society or other stakeholder participation in >>> the development of the Action Plan, which Canada presented in Brasilia in >>> April, and there has been little consultation since then on implementation >>> of the Plan. The network might through the e-list discuss this issue and >>> come up with actions which interested groups and/or individuals could >>> participate in (always on a voluntary basis). >>> >>> >>> >>> Please let us know if you are interested in joining such an initiative. To >>> join, visit: >>> http://ogp.opengovcanada.ca/mailman/listinfo/discussion_opengovcanada.ca >>> and >>> follow the subscription instructions. If you have any questions, please >>> send >>> these to [hidden email]. >>> >>> >>> >>> Thanks for your attention and interest in these key issues. >>> >>> >>> >>> David Eaves, >>> >>> Open Government Advocate and OpenNorth Board Member >>> >>> Vancouver, BC >>> >>> >>> >>> Michael Gurstein Ph.D. >>> >>> Centre for Community Informatics Research, Development and Training >>> >>> Vancouver, BC >>> >>> >>> >>> Toby Mendel >>> >>> Executive Director, Centre for Law and Democracy >>> >>> Halifax, NS >>> >>> -------------- next part -------------- >>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>> URL: >>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/aac242c0/attachment.html> >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>> [hidden email] >>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>> >>> End of CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10 >>> *************************************************** >> >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> [hidden email] >> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss > _______________________________________________ > CivicAccess-discuss mailing list > [hidden email] > http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss |
Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10
|
|
Hi James, all,
The project I've been involved in mainly is the International Aid Transparency Initiative or IATI. Much of the leadership and funding for that open data initiative has originated from UK government funding - DFID. There are other players, the Netherlands, Hewlitt Foundation, and so on, but its DFID that has really lead this initiative esp. at a policy level. It has provided funding to UK-based NGO's like Development Initiatives, and others. Some of that funding in turn has trickled through to groups like OKFN. UK-funding and leadership to IATI is significant. In general, aid transparency is a big deal in the UK, and NGO's are beginning to be required to share their project data for DFID funded projects. Umbrella groups like Bond are helping to administrate this change and a number of tools like aidstream.org have been created to help NGO's with aid transparency. There is also Publish What You Fund, also UK-based, which monitors aid transparency efforts, in particular IATI. There is next to nothing like this in Canada. CIDA has agreed to share its data in the IATI format, but as far as I understand, doesn't contribute financially to IATI. CIDA has given somewhere along the lines of 500k to the Open Aid Partnership in Washington D.C. to help with its efforts around geo-mapping open datasets to my knowledge. In Canada, Engineers Without Borders has done some fantastic work raising this issue, and IDRC is doing some excellent work on open data in developing countries. My understanding is the UK government is now (or will be soon) co-chairing the Open Government Partnership, and is also involved in funding Making All Voices Count - MAVC, a 50 million dollar fund that was recently launched. It might be true the UK government is less involved now in funding local civic projects, but its role on the international stage is strong and growing. The other part of this, is the EU. The UK as part of the EU, has opened up further funding opportunities for UK-based NGO's. I know OKNF received a significant EU grant for its CKAN tool, and several UK and EU-based NGO's have collaborated to seek EU funding, and to work together. Something to possibly think about in Canada is the idea of an Open Data Hub - along the lines of the Open Government Hub http://opengovhub.org/ that just launched in Washington D.C. The opportunity for both transparency and accountability, as well as business seems immense. Cheers, Michael > UK foundation and government funding for civic projects like mySociety's has all but dried up. Around the time mySociety launched in 2003-2004, the UK government was putting a lot of money towards online innovation in the civic sector. That hasn't been the case for a few years. NESTA continues to invest in social innovation, but with less emphasis on online projects. > > mySociety now gets its biggest grants from Open Society and Omidyar Network for its international work - not for its work in the UK. In terms of self-funding, mySociety also has a for-profit that sells products and services to local governments, like its petition websites and customized FixMyStreet.com. Grants are still its primary source of funding. > > I don't know of OpenCorporates receiving any funding. It's a for-profit corporation, which eliminates most sources of funding. OpenCorporates founder Chris Taggart also runs OpenlyLocal.com, which AFAIK has only received a small grant from NESTA to integrate and relaunch PlanningAlerts.com. > > The Open Knowledge Foundation won a Knight News Challenge, and gets significant funding from the Omidyar Network, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and Open Society. In terms of self-funding, it sells CKAN, its open data catalogue. I don't know that any of its work is UK-specific (a good strategy for getting significant funding!). > > The only country that I know of with a strong philanthropic community for open government projects is the US. The UK still invests a lot in structuring open data initiatives, e.g. its £10M gift to the Open Data Institute, but I haven't seen any big gifts to specific open data projects (e.g. to create an open data standard for a specific use case) or to other open government projects in recent years. > > The UK is ahead in terms of culture and knowledge with respect to open data and open government, but I would no longer say that it's ahead in terms of funding every kind of open data/govt project. > > > > >>> If government transparency isn't always the most effective argument, >>> is ROI from Open data projects (e.g. reducing wasted efforts) an argument >>> that has traction with funders? >> >> Depends. We used that argument a lot when we were doing lobbying at >> the municipal level, although it didn't end up being the arguments >> that they used to explain their actions. >> >> On a separate note, if you plan on participating on this list instead >> observing, you should probably switch from digest mode to regular >> mode. Both for the convenience of other users and for posteriety >> (mailing list archives). >> >>> >>> Re social media & evolution of search, a great question (for ODX) is >>> how will web, mobile, and social applications evolve as Open data >>> becomes more developer friendly (API access to data sources, >>> smart privacy controls, complete metadata, RDF annotation.) >>> We are arguably still in a widget & app paradigm, where each project >>> focusses on a specific problem, integrations are limited. >>> What will be possible when all of the back-end data tech. is automatic? >>> >>> Here's a couple web searches we can't do today but should be able to in 5 >>> years: >>> "I want to do some community work in exchange for lunch today in my >>> neighborhood, preferably with someone in my personal network." >>> "If I get a degree in botany, what will my job prospects be like in 5 years >>> in North America." >>> >>> Ted Strauss >>> >> >> cheers, >> >> Mike >> >>> >>> >>> On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 2:54 PM, >>> <[hidden email]> wrote: >>>> >>>> Send CivicAccess-discuss mailing list submissions to >>>> [hidden email] >>>> >>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >>>> [hidden email] >>>> >>>> You can reach the person managing the list at >>>> [hidden email] >>>> >>>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >>>> than "Re: Contents of CivicAccess-discuss digest..." >>>> >>>> >>>> Today's Topics: >>>> >>>> 1. Re: Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal (Gerry Tychon) >>>> 2. Canada: Crown Copyright, Legal Access and Teranet Surveys - >>>> T. Scassa (Tracey P. Lauriault) >>>> 3. Legal Issues in Cartography: Information Maps, Freedom of >>>> Expression and Privacy - T. Scassa (Tracey P. Lauriault) >>>> 4. Re: Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal (Michael Roberts) >>>> 5. Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 9 (Ted Strauss) >>>> 6. Invitation to Join Discussion re: Open Government Partnership >>>> (OGP) process in Canada (michael gurstein) >>>> >>>> >>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>> >>>> Message: 1 >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:11:33 -0700 >>>> From: Gerry Tychon <[hidden email]> >>>> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]> >>>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal >>>> Message-ID: <[hidden email]> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed >>>> >>>> I think I would like to say that the "disconnect" is not between the >>>> "data published" and the people but rather it is a disconnect between >>>> the "data publishers" and the data consumers. Not only am I waiting for >>>> data I asked for but I am still waiting for an acknowledgment that I >>>> even asked for the data. >>>> >>>> On 11/01/2013 9:48 AM, Michael Lenczner wrote: >>>>> My two "favorite" problems would be: >>>>> >>>>> 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that people >>>>> want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >>>>> municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >>>>> >>>>> and >>>>> >>>>> 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which is >>>>> connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >>>>> don't have viable business models. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 8:34 AM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >>>>> wrote: >>>>>> The Open Data Exchange 2013 (odx13.com) is a mini-conference bringing >>>>>> together Open Data experts and enthusiasts to discuss achievements and >>>>>> challenges of using data for citizen engagement, international aid, >>>>>> scientific research, and more. It is happening April 6 in Montreal, at >>>>>> Jeanne Sauv? House. Registration is free. ODX is being organized by Ted >>>>>> Strauss (me) and Naomi Kincler, who are the co-founders of the startup >>>>>> Trudat, launching later this year. >>>>>> >>>>>> I'm writing to civicaction today to kickstart some of the discussions >>>>>> that >>>>>> will take place at ODX. This is especially relevant since a few people >>>>>> on >>>>>> this list have been invited as panelists for the event. >>>>>> >>>>>> One of the first topics we will address are the achievements and >>>>>> challenges >>>>>> of the Open Data movement since it began roughly five years ago. >>>>>> >>>>>> Leaving aside that 'Open data' will mean different things to different >>>>>> people, I'll suggest a few trends I consider notable. Please jump in >>>>>> and >>>>>> suggest your own. Be as specific/general/controversial/technical as you >>>>>> like. >>>>>> >>>>>> #1. Infographics in newspapers, online news, social media, and apps >>>>>> have >>>>>> raised the basic understanding by mainstream media consumers of >>>>>> data-oriented displays. When used well, infographics help people >>>>>> understand >>>>>> the world better so they can make better decisions. This also has >>>>>> tangible >>>>>> benefits for justice, public health, resource efficiency, etc. The >>>>>> challenge >>>>>> is that infographics can be -and often are- poorly executed, overly >>>>>> simplistic, or intentionally misleading. Like any other media. >>>>>> >>>>>> #2. Hundreds of cities, regions, and countries have launched open data >>>>>> portals with permissive licensing, allowing people to do great things >>>>>> with >>>>>> their data. The challenges with some of these portals however is that >>>>>> there >>>>>> are still technical and economic barriers to accessing many of these >>>>>> datasets, as well as a lack of tools to access and use them in >>>>>> meaningful >>>>>> ways. >>>>>> >>>>>> #3. Scientific consortiums have launched repositories and tools for >>>>>> sharing >>>>>> data, code, and publications. This accelerates scientific discovery and >>>>>> knowledge dissemination. The challenge however is that exponential >>>>>> growth of >>>>>> scientific data is not being met by solutions that overcome the >>>>>> challenges >>>>>> of usability, interoperability, and open dissemination. >>>>>> >>>>>> Ted Strauss >>>>>> Trudat >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>>>> [hidden email] >>>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>>> [hidden email] >>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> Message: 2 >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:28:10 -0500 >>>> From: "Tracey P. Lauriault" <[hidden email]> >>>> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]>, >>>> [hidden email], [hidden email] >>>> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Canada: Crown Copyright, Legal Access >>>> and Teranet Surveys - T. Scassa >>>> Message-ID: >>>> >>>> <[hidden email]> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >>>> >>>> Copyright in Public Documents >>>> >>>> http://www.teresascassa.ca/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=114:copyright-in-public-documents&Itemid=81 >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Tracey P. Lauriault >>>> Post Doctoral Fellow >>>> Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre >>>> https://gcrc.carleton.ca/confluence/display/GCRCWEB/Lauriault >>>> http://datalibre.ca/ >>>> 613-234-2805 >>>> -------------- next part -------------- >>>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>>> URL: >>>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/9f2ce82e/attachment-0001.html> >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> Message: 3 >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:30:19 -0500 >>>> From: "Tracey P. Lauriault" <[hidden email]> >>>> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]>, CAGLIST >>>> <[hidden email]>, CCA List <[hidden email]>, >>>> [hidden email] >>>> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Legal Issues in Cartography: >>>> Information Maps, Freedom of Expression and Privacy - T. Scassa >>>> Message-ID: >>>> >>>> <CAPT_w+=[hidden email]> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >>>> >>>> Information Maps, Freedom of Expression and Privacy >>>> >>>> http://www.teresascassa.ca/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=116:information-maps-freedom-of-expression-and-privacy&Itemid=81 >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Tracey P. Lauriault >>>> Post Doctoral Fellow >>>> Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre >>>> https://gcrc.carleton.ca/confluence/display/GCRCWEB/Lauriault >>>> http://datalibre.ca/ >>>> 613-234-2805 >>>> -------------- next part -------------- >>>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>>> URL: >>>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/2f27e33f/attachment-0001.html> >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> Message: 4 >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:03:43 -0500 >>>> From: Michael Roberts <[hidden email]> >>>> To: [hidden email], civicaccess discuss >>>> <[hidden email]> >>>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal >>>> Message-ID: <[hidden email]> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 >>>> >>>> Hi Gerry, all, >>>> >>>> I think in Canada what Michael Lenczer says may be true re: 3). In the >>>> UK, I see an incredible amount of both interest and funding for open data >>>> initiatives. Why isn't that the case in Canada? What's positive about >>>> what you say is that you are demanding this data at all. It wasn't always >>>> that way. >>>> >>>> I think there are two other issues; data engagement and finding data >>>> easily. To publish data as a public good is important. Second, how can >>>> tools like social media play a role in the engagement of this data, and >>>> third, how can search change to help us find and use this data. >>>> >>>> Cheers, >>>> Michael >>>> >>>> On 2013-01-11, at 12:11 PM, Gerry Tychon <[hidden email]> wrote: >>>> >>>> I think I would like to say that the "disconnect" is not between the "data >>>> published" and the people but rather it is a disconnect between the "data >>>> publishers" and the data consumers. Not only am I waiting for data I asked >>>> for but I am still waiting for an acknowledgment that I even asked for the >>>> data. >>>> >>>> On 11/01/2013 9:48 AM, Michael Lenczner wrote: >>>>> My two "favorite" problems would be: >>>>> >>>>> 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that people >>>>> want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >>>>> municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >>>>> >>>>> and >>>>> >>>>> 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which is >>>>> connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >>>>> don't have viable business models. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 8:34 AM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >>>>> wrote: >>>>>> The Open Data Exchange 2013 (odx13.com) is a mini-conference bringing >>>>>> together Open Data experts and enthusiasts to discuss achievements and >>>>>> challenges of using data for citizen engagement, international aid, >>>>>> scientific research, and more. It is happening April 6 in Montreal, at >>>>>> Jeanne Sauv? House. Registration is free. ODX is being organized by Ted >>>>>> Strauss (me) and Naomi Kincler, who are the co-founders of the startup >>>>>> Trudat, launching later this year. >>>>>> >>>>>> I'm writing to civicaction today to kickstart some of the discussions >>>>>> that >>>>>> will take place at ODX. This is especially relevant since a few people >>>>>> on >>>>>> this list have been invited as panelists for the event. >>>>>> >>>>>> One of the first topics we will address are the achievements and >>>>>> challenges >>>>>> of the Open Data movement since it began roughly five years ago. >>>>>> >>>>>> Leaving aside that 'Open data' will mean different things to different >>>>>> people, I'll suggest a few trends I consider notable. Please jump in >>>>>> and >>>>>> suggest your own. Be as specific/general/controversial/technical as you >>>>>> like. >>>>>> >>>>>> #1. Infographics in newspapers, online news, social media, and apps >>>>>> have >>>>>> raised the basic understanding by mainstream media consumers of >>>>>> data-oriented displays. When used well, infographics help people >>>>>> understand >>>>>> the world better so they can make better decisions. This also has >>>>>> tangible >>>>>> benefits for justice, public health, resource efficiency, etc. The >>>>>> challenge >>>>>> is that infographics can be -and often are- poorly executed, overly >>>>>> simplistic, or intentionally misleading. Like any other media. >>>>>> >>>>>> #2. Hundreds of cities, regions, and countries have launched open data >>>>>> portals with permissive licensing, allowing people to do great things >>>>>> with >>>>>> their data. The challenges with some of these portals however is that >>>>>> there >>>>>> are still technical and economic barriers to accessing many of these >>>>>> datasets, as well as a lack of tools to access and use them in >>>>>> meaningful >>>>>> ways. >>>>>> >>>>>> #3. Scientific consortiums have launched repositories and tools for >>>>>> sharing >>>>>> data, code, and publications. This accelerates scientific discovery and >>>>>> knowledge dissemination. The challenge however is that exponential >>>>>> growth of >>>>>> scientific data is not being met by solutions that overcome the >>>>>> challenges >>>>>> of usability, interoperability, and open dissemination. >>>>>> >>>>>> Ted Strauss >>>>>> Trudat >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>>>> [hidden email] >>>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>>> [hidden email] >>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>> [hidden email] >>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>> >>>> -------------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>> Michael Roberts -- Acclar Open Aid Data >>>> web: www.acclar.org >>>> email: [hidden email] >>>> >>>> facebook: http://www.facebook.com/acclar.open >>>> twitter: @acclar >>>> skype: mroberts_112 >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> Message: 5 >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:09:27 -0500 >>>> From: Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >>>> To: [hidden email] >>>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, >>>> Issue 9 >>>> Message-ID: >>>> >>>> <[hidden email]> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >>>> >>>>> >>>>> My two "favorite" problems would be: >>>>> >>>>> 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that people >>>>> want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >>>>> municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> Figuring out what people want is a great challenge, since it's complicated >>>> to know what data exists, why it should be open, and what problems can >>>> be solved with it. How can we take some of the mystery out of that >>>> process, >>>> so more people can contribute their ideas, and imagine >>>> >>>> >>>>> >>>>> 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which is >>>>> connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >>>>> don't have viable business models. >>>>> >>>> >>>> I think Tim Berners-Lee's 5 stars <http://5stardata.info/>of open data >>>> would go a long way to address >>>> your #2, interoperability being the big barrier. >>>> -------------- next part -------------- >>>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>>> URL: >>>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/1fb19da4/attachment-0001.html> >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> Message: 6 >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:52:12 -0800 >>>> From: "michael gurstein" <[hidden email]> >>>> To: <[hidden email]>, <[hidden email]>, >>>> "civicaccess discuss" <[hidden email]> >>>> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Invitation to Join Discussion re: Open >>>> Government Partnership (OGP) process in Canada >>>> Message-ID: <001801cdf035$2683d7c0$738b8740$@gmail.com> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >>>> >>>> Dear colleagues, >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> We are Canadians who have been actively involved with the Open Government >>>> Partnership (OGP) process, including by participating in the OGP meeting >>>> in >>>> Brasilia in April 2012. The OGP is a joint government - civil society >>>> initiative to promote greater openness, participation and accountability >>>> in >>>> countries which have already attained a minimum standard of openness. >>>> Canada >>>> joined the OGP in September 2011. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Participation by interested stakeholders is a key feature of the design of >>>> the OGP. There is equal representation of civil society and government >>>> representatives on the lead body of the OGP, the Steering Committee. More >>>> importantly, a key mechanism of the OGP is for countries to develop and >>>> then >>>> implement Action Plans setting out their commitments for moving forward in >>>> terms of openness, participation and accountability. Governments are >>>> formally required to consult extensively with civil society and other >>>> interested stakeholders in developing and delivering on their Action >>>> Plans. >>>> Civil society will also play a key role in reporting on progress in >>>> implementing Action Plans, including through its participation in a >>>> parallel >>>> Independent Reporting Mechanism, which will present its findings on >>>> progress >>>> alongside those of the government. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> In several countries, civil society groups and other stakeholders have >>>> formed networks or coalitions to work together to help ensure effective >>>> external input into the development, implementation and evaluation of >>>> Action >>>> Plans. We are proposing to set up such a network in Canada and we are >>>> proposing, as a first step, to establish a discussion list involving >>>> external (i.e. non-government) groups and individuals who have a >>>> demonstrated commitment to open government and who are interested in >>>> getting >>>> engaged in this important work. We envisage this as a loose and open >>>> network, through which anyone could propose discussions, ideas or action >>>> points relating to OGP. The network would have no voice or right of action >>>> of its own, and so participation in the network or the discussion list >>>> would >>>> not involve any obligations or engagements. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> As an example of how the network might work, we note that, to date, Canada >>>> has not complied with its OGP obligations in the area of consultations. >>>> There was very limited civil society or other stakeholder participation in >>>> the development of the Action Plan, which Canada presented in Brasilia in >>>> April, and there has been little consultation since then on implementation >>>> of the Plan. The network might through the e-list discuss this issue and >>>> come up with actions which interested groups and/or individuals could >>>> participate in (always on a voluntary basis). >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Please let us know if you are interested in joining such an initiative. To >>>> join, visit: >>>> http://ogp.opengovcanada.ca/mailman/listinfo/discussion_opengovcanada.ca >>>> and >>>> follow the subscription instructions. If you have any questions, please >>>> send >>>> these to [hidden email]. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Thanks for your attention and interest in these key issues. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> David Eaves, >>>> >>>> Open Government Advocate and OpenNorth Board Member >>>> >>>> Vancouver, BC >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Michael Gurstein Ph.D. >>>> >>>> Centre for Community Informatics Research, Development and Training >>>> >>>> Vancouver, BC >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Toby Mendel >>>> >>>> Executive Director, Centre for Law and Democracy >>>> >>>> Halifax, NS >>>> >>>> -------------- next part -------------- >>>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>>> URL: >>>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/aac242c0/attachment.html> >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>> [hidden email] >>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>> >>>> End of CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10 >>>> *************************************************** >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>> [hidden email] >>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> _______________________________________________ >> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> [hidden email] >> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss > > _______________________________________________ > CivicAccess-discuss mailing list > [hidden email] > http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael Roberts -- Acclar Open Aid Data web: www.acclar.org email: [hidden email] facebook: http://www.facebook.com/acclar.open twitter: @acclar skype: mroberts_112 |
Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10
|
|
In reply to this post by Ted Strauss
Hi Ted,
> Michael Roberts & Michael Lenczner: > Would be very useful to know if there are certain types of projects that > receive more funding in the UK, or whether certain business models have > worked there that haven't worked here in Canada. > If government transparency isn't always the most effective argument, > is ROI from Open data projects (e.g. reducing wasted efforts) an argument > that has traction with funders? I'm mostly familiar with the International Aid Transparency Initiative which is somewhat UK-lead for now and it appears to be well-funded. (I'm working on an infographic of it's funding sources.) IATI is about sharing project/activity information mainly. The arguments this initiative often uses in addition to transparency and accountability, is that partner-countries need this data in a more timely fashion so that they can do better budget planning. The OCED releases donor aid data about 18 months or longer after donors submit it to the OECD-DAC. One of the goals of IATI is to enable donors to share that data directly with partner countries in a more timely fashion. The other long-term goal is donor reporting. Often different donors have different reporting requirements. This creates a huge burden for partner countries. Open data standards such as IATI may eventually assist in standardizing reporting, which reduces administrative costs. Lastly, there is some evidence that at least with IATI, that this level of transparency is creating more accurate reporting. > Re social media & evolution of search, a great question (for ODX) is > how will web, mobile, and social applications evolve as Open data > becomes more developer friendly (API access to data sources, > smart privacy controls, complete metadata, RDF annotation.) > We are arguably still in a widget & app paradigm, where each project > focusses on a specific problem, integrations are limited. > What will be possible when all of the back-end data tech. is automatic? > > Here's a couple web searches we can't do today but should be able to in 5 years: > "I want to do some community work in exchange for lunch today in my neighborhood, preferably with someone in my personal network." > "If I get a degree in botany, what will my job prospects be like in 5 years in North America." I agree, I think we are just at the beginning of how we engage with all this data. My feeling is more and more data will begin to be used in context, and a bit more prediction-based once better integrated. The question I have is what role will companies like Google will play in this new open data universe as they go further into the "deep web". Cheers, Michael -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael Roberts -- Acclar Open Aid Data web: www.acclar.org email: [hidden email] facebook: http://www.facebook.com/acclar.open twitter: @acclar skype: mroberts_112 |
Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10
|
|
In reply to this post by Ted Strauss
Hi Ted ...
You ask: I think the reason for this is more holistic. It is how Open Data has been implemented within the organization and internal culture and education. I like the Plato quote "The beginning is the most important part of the work" and the beginning of Open Data in government is often flawed. There is a lack of understanding what Open Data is and what it really means to the organization. Open Data is treated as a standard IT project which often translates to a web portal and service agreements. Governance is not thought out and many parts of the organization are excluded. There is subsequent resentment. Proper policies and procedures are not put in place and adhered to. There is no overall strategy and no subsequent department/ministry strategies. Engagement of all (internally and externally) is really important but either there is no engagement or just "engagement theatre". Related, I think more cultivation and incentivization needs to be done (again both internally and externally). From Wikipedia "... incentivization is the practise of building incentives into an arrangement or system in order to motivate the actors within it". I don't see much of that. I am sure that if, internally, budgets and budget approvals were partly based on achieving some kind of Open Data targets you would see a different scenario quick. ... gerry tychon |
Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10
|
|
In reply to this post by James McKinney-2
Just wanted to say thanks for writing this reponse, James. It's great
to have a sense of the funding for this work in the UK. Michael Lenczner CEO, Ajah http://www.ajah.ca 514-708-5112 http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellenczner On Sun, Jan 13, 2013 at 6:10 PM, James McKinney <[hidden email]> wrote: > > On 2013-01-13, at 3:08 PM, Michael Lenczner wrote: > >> On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 12:47 PM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> wrote: >>> Gerry Tychon: >>> What would you say are the factors affecting the delays >>> in getting the data you've asked for: is it bureaucracy, an unwillingness >>> to publish more sensitive datasets, or something else? >>> Are there any other lessons you've learned along this process, vis-a-vis >>> success/failures of the Open data movement? >>> >>> Michael Roberts & Michael Lenczner: >>> Would be very useful to know if there are certain types of projects that >>> receive more funding in the UK, >> >> Uh, all the projects. :) Democracy projects, international aid >> projects, open corporates, etc. I attended open data conferences in >> 2004 in London. We're kind of just ... behind. >> >>> or whether certain business models have >>> worked there that haven't worked here in Canada. >> >> I don't know any of those cases, but I'm not aware of the UK Open data >> projects that are self-funded (I have no doubt that there are some). > > UK foundation and government funding for civic projects like mySociety's has all but dried up. Around the time mySociety launched in 2003-2004, the UK government was putting a lot of money towards online innovation in the civic sector. That hasn't been the case for a few years. NESTA continues to invest in social innovation, but with less emphasis on online projects. > > mySociety now gets its biggest grants from Open Society and Omidyar Network for its international work - not for its work in the UK. In terms of self-funding, mySociety also has a for-profit that sells products and services to local governments, like its petition websites and customized FixMyStreet.com. Grants are still its primary source of funding. > > I don't know of OpenCorporates receiving any funding. It's a for-profit corporation, which eliminates most sources of funding. OpenCorporates founder Chris Taggart also runs OpenlyLocal.com, which AFAIK has only received a small grant from NESTA to integrate and relaunch PlanningAlerts.com. > > The Open Knowledge Foundation won a Knight News Challenge, and gets significant funding from the Omidyar Network, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and Open Society. In terms of self-funding, it sells CKAN, its open data catalogue. I don't know that any of its work is UK-specific (a good strategy for getting significant funding!). > > The only country that I know of with a strong philanthropic community for open government projects is the US. The UK still invests a lot in structuring open data initiatives, e.g. its £10M gift to the Open Data Institute, but I haven't seen any big gifts to specific open data projects (e.g. to create an open data standard for a specific use case) or to other open government projects in recent years. > > The UK is ahead in terms of culture and knowledge with respect to open data and open government, but I would no longer say that it's ahead in terms of funding every kind of open data/govt project. > > > > >>> If government transparency isn't always the most effective argument, >>> is ROI from Open data projects (e.g. reducing wasted efforts) an argument >>> that has traction with funders? >> >> Depends. We used that argument a lot when we were doing lobbying at >> the municipal level, although it didn't end up being the arguments >> that they used to explain their actions. >> >> On a separate note, if you plan on participating on this list instead >> observing, you should probably switch from digest mode to regular >> mode. Both for the convenience of other users and for posteriety >> (mailing list archives). >> >>> >>> Re social media & evolution of search, a great question (for ODX) is >>> how will web, mobile, and social applications evolve as Open data >>> becomes more developer friendly (API access to data sources, >>> smart privacy controls, complete metadata, RDF annotation.) >>> We are arguably still in a widget & app paradigm, where each project >>> focusses on a specific problem, integrations are limited. >>> What will be possible when all of the back-end data tech. is automatic? >>> >>> Here's a couple web searches we can't do today but should be able to in 5 >>> years: >>> "I want to do some community work in exchange for lunch today in my >>> neighborhood, preferably with someone in my personal network." >>> "If I get a degree in botany, what will my job prospects be like in 5 years >>> in North America." >>> >>> Ted Strauss >>> >> >> cheers, >> >> Mike >> >>> >>> >>> On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 2:54 PM, >>> <[hidden email]> wrote: >>>> >>>> Send CivicAccess-discuss mailing list submissions to >>>> [hidden email] >>>> >>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >>>> [hidden email] >>>> >>>> You can reach the person managing the list at >>>> [hidden email] >>>> >>>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >>>> than "Re: Contents of CivicAccess-discuss digest..." >>>> >>>> >>>> Today's Topics: >>>> >>>> 1. Re: Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal (Gerry Tychon) >>>> 2. Canada: Crown Copyright, Legal Access and Teranet Surveys - >>>> T. Scassa (Tracey P. Lauriault) >>>> 3. Legal Issues in Cartography: Information Maps, Freedom of >>>> Expression and Privacy - T. Scassa (Tracey P. Lauriault) >>>> 4. Re: Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal (Michael Roberts) >>>> 5. Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 9 (Ted Strauss) >>>> 6. Invitation to Join Discussion re: Open Government Partnership >>>> (OGP) process in Canada (michael gurstein) >>>> >>>> >>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>> >>>> Message: 1 >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:11:33 -0700 >>>> From: Gerry Tychon <[hidden email]> >>>> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]> >>>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal >>>> Message-ID: <[hidden email]> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed >>>> >>>> I think I would like to say that the "disconnect" is not between the >>>> "data published" and the people but rather it is a disconnect between >>>> the "data publishers" and the data consumers. Not only am I waiting for >>>> data I asked for but I am still waiting for an acknowledgment that I >>>> even asked for the data. >>>> >>>> On 11/01/2013 9:48 AM, Michael Lenczner wrote: >>>>> My two "favorite" problems would be: >>>>> >>>>> 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that people >>>>> want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >>>>> municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >>>>> >>>>> and >>>>> >>>>> 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which is >>>>> connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >>>>> don't have viable business models. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 8:34 AM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >>>>> wrote: >>>>>> The Open Data Exchange 2013 (odx13.com) is a mini-conference bringing >>>>>> together Open Data experts and enthusiasts to discuss achievements and >>>>>> challenges of using data for citizen engagement, international aid, >>>>>> scientific research, and more. It is happening April 6 in Montreal, at >>>>>> Jeanne Sauv? House. Registration is free. ODX is being organized by Ted >>>>>> Strauss (me) and Naomi Kincler, who are the co-founders of the startup >>>>>> Trudat, launching later this year. >>>>>> >>>>>> I'm writing to civicaction today to kickstart some of the discussions >>>>>> that >>>>>> will take place at ODX. This is especially relevant since a few people >>>>>> on >>>>>> this list have been invited as panelists for the event. >>>>>> >>>>>> One of the first topics we will address are the achievements and >>>>>> challenges >>>>>> of the Open Data movement since it began roughly five years ago. >>>>>> >>>>>> Leaving aside that 'Open data' will mean different things to different >>>>>> people, I'll suggest a few trends I consider notable. Please jump in >>>>>> and >>>>>> suggest your own. Be as specific/general/controversial/technical as you >>>>>> like. >>>>>> >>>>>> #1. Infographics in newspapers, online news, social media, and apps >>>>>> have >>>>>> raised the basic understanding by mainstream media consumers of >>>>>> data-oriented displays. When used well, infographics help people >>>>>> understand >>>>>> the world better so they can make better decisions. This also has >>>>>> tangible >>>>>> benefits for justice, public health, resource efficiency, etc. The >>>>>> challenge >>>>>> is that infographics can be -and often are- poorly executed, overly >>>>>> simplistic, or intentionally misleading. Like any other media. >>>>>> >>>>>> #2. Hundreds of cities, regions, and countries have launched open data >>>>>> portals with permissive licensing, allowing people to do great things >>>>>> with >>>>>> their data. The challenges with some of these portals however is that >>>>>> there >>>>>> are still technical and economic barriers to accessing many of these >>>>>> datasets, as well as a lack of tools to access and use them in >>>>>> meaningful >>>>>> ways. >>>>>> >>>>>> #3. Scientific consortiums have launched repositories and tools for >>>>>> sharing >>>>>> data, code, and publications. This accelerates scientific discovery and >>>>>> knowledge dissemination. The challenge however is that exponential >>>>>> growth of >>>>>> scientific data is not being met by solutions that overcome the >>>>>> challenges >>>>>> of usability, interoperability, and open dissemination. >>>>>> >>>>>> Ted Strauss >>>>>> Trudat >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>>>> [hidden email] >>>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>>> [hidden email] >>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> Message: 2 >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:28:10 -0500 >>>> From: "Tracey P. Lauriault" <[hidden email]> >>>> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]>, >>>> [hidden email], [hidden email] >>>> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Canada: Crown Copyright, Legal Access >>>> and Teranet Surveys - T. Scassa >>>> Message-ID: >>>> >>>> <[hidden email]> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >>>> >>>> Copyright in Public Documents >>>> >>>> http://www.teresascassa.ca/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=114:copyright-in-public-documents&Itemid=81 >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Tracey P. Lauriault >>>> Post Doctoral Fellow >>>> Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre >>>> https://gcrc.carleton.ca/confluence/display/GCRCWEB/Lauriault >>>> http://datalibre.ca/ >>>> 613-234-2805 >>>> -------------- next part -------------- >>>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>>> URL: >>>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/9f2ce82e/attachment-0001.html> >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> Message: 3 >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:30:19 -0500 >>>> From: "Tracey P. Lauriault" <[hidden email]> >>>> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]>, CAGLIST >>>> <[hidden email]>, CCA List <[hidden email]>, >>>> [hidden email] >>>> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Legal Issues in Cartography: >>>> Information Maps, Freedom of Expression and Privacy - T. Scassa >>>> Message-ID: >>>> >>>> <CAPT_w+=[hidden email]> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >>>> >>>> Information Maps, Freedom of Expression and Privacy >>>> >>>> http://www.teresascassa.ca/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=116:information-maps-freedom-of-expression-and-privacy&Itemid=81 >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Tracey P. Lauriault >>>> Post Doctoral Fellow >>>> Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre >>>> https://gcrc.carleton.ca/confluence/display/GCRCWEB/Lauriault >>>> http://datalibre.ca/ >>>> 613-234-2805 >>>> -------------- next part -------------- >>>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>>> URL: >>>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/2f27e33f/attachment-0001.html> >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> Message: 4 >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:03:43 -0500 >>>> From: Michael Roberts <[hidden email]> >>>> To: [hidden email], civicaccess discuss >>>> <[hidden email]> >>>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal >>>> Message-ID: <[hidden email]> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 >>>> >>>> Hi Gerry, all, >>>> >>>> I think in Canada what Michael Lenczer says may be true re: 3). In the >>>> UK, I see an incredible amount of both interest and funding for open data >>>> initiatives. Why isn't that the case in Canada? What's positive about >>>> what you say is that you are demanding this data at all. It wasn't always >>>> that way. >>>> >>>> I think there are two other issues; data engagement and finding data >>>> easily. To publish data as a public good is important. Second, how can >>>> tools like social media play a role in the engagement of this data, and >>>> third, how can search change to help us find and use this data. >>>> >>>> Cheers, >>>> Michael >>>> >>>> On 2013-01-11, at 12:11 PM, Gerry Tychon <[hidden email]> wrote: >>>> >>>> I think I would like to say that the "disconnect" is not between the "data >>>> published" and the people but rather it is a disconnect between the "data >>>> publishers" and the data consumers. Not only am I waiting for data I asked >>>> for but I am still waiting for an acknowledgment that I even asked for the >>>> data. >>>> >>>> On 11/01/2013 9:48 AM, Michael Lenczner wrote: >>>>> My two "favorite" problems would be: >>>>> >>>>> 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that people >>>>> want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >>>>> municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >>>>> >>>>> and >>>>> >>>>> 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which is >>>>> connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >>>>> don't have viable business models. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 8:34 AM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >>>>> wrote: >>>>>> The Open Data Exchange 2013 (odx13.com) is a mini-conference bringing >>>>>> together Open Data experts and enthusiasts to discuss achievements and >>>>>> challenges of using data for citizen engagement, international aid, >>>>>> scientific research, and more. It is happening April 6 in Montreal, at >>>>>> Jeanne Sauv? House. Registration is free. ODX is being organized by Ted >>>>>> Strauss (me) and Naomi Kincler, who are the co-founders of the startup >>>>>> Trudat, launching later this year. >>>>>> >>>>>> I'm writing to civicaction today to kickstart some of the discussions >>>>>> that >>>>>> will take place at ODX. This is especially relevant since a few people >>>>>> on >>>>>> this list have been invited as panelists for the event. >>>>>> >>>>>> One of the first topics we will address are the achievements and >>>>>> challenges >>>>>> of the Open Data movement since it began roughly five years ago. >>>>>> >>>>>> Leaving aside that 'Open data' will mean different things to different >>>>>> people, I'll suggest a few trends I consider notable. Please jump in >>>>>> and >>>>>> suggest your own. Be as specific/general/controversial/technical as you >>>>>> like. >>>>>> >>>>>> #1. Infographics in newspapers, online news, social media, and apps >>>>>> have >>>>>> raised the basic understanding by mainstream media consumers of >>>>>> data-oriented displays. When used well, infographics help people >>>>>> understand >>>>>> the world better so they can make better decisions. This also has >>>>>> tangible >>>>>> benefits for justice, public health, resource efficiency, etc. The >>>>>> challenge >>>>>> is that infographics can be -and often are- poorly executed, overly >>>>>> simplistic, or intentionally misleading. Like any other media. >>>>>> >>>>>> #2. Hundreds of cities, regions, and countries have launched open data >>>>>> portals with permissive licensing, allowing people to do great things >>>>>> with >>>>>> their data. The challenges with some of these portals however is that >>>>>> there >>>>>> are still technical and economic barriers to accessing many of these >>>>>> datasets, as well as a lack of tools to access and use them in >>>>>> meaningful >>>>>> ways. >>>>>> >>>>>> #3. Scientific consortiums have launched repositories and tools for >>>>>> sharing >>>>>> data, code, and publications. This accelerates scientific discovery and >>>>>> knowledge dissemination. The challenge however is that exponential >>>>>> growth of >>>>>> scientific data is not being met by solutions that overcome the >>>>>> challenges >>>>>> of usability, interoperability, and open dissemination. >>>>>> >>>>>> Ted Strauss >>>>>> Trudat >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>>>> [hidden email] >>>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>>> [hidden email] >>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>> [hidden email] >>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>> >>>> -------------------------------------------------------------------------- >>>> Michael Roberts -- Acclar Open Aid Data >>>> web: www.acclar.org >>>> email: [hidden email] >>>> >>>> facebook: http://www.facebook.com/acclar.open >>>> twitter: @acclar >>>> skype: mroberts_112 >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> Message: 5 >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:09:27 -0500 >>>> From: Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >>>> To: [hidden email] >>>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, >>>> Issue 9 >>>> Message-ID: >>>> >>>> <[hidden email]> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >>>> >>>>> >>>>> My two "favorite" problems would be: >>>>> >>>>> 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that people >>>>> want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >>>>> municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> Figuring out what people want is a great challenge, since it's complicated >>>> to know what data exists, why it should be open, and what problems can >>>> be solved with it. How can we take some of the mystery out of that >>>> process, >>>> so more people can contribute their ideas, and imagine >>>> >>>> >>>>> >>>>> 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which is >>>>> connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >>>>> don't have viable business models. >>>>> >>>> >>>> I think Tim Berners-Lee's 5 stars <http://5stardata.info/>of open data >>>> would go a long way to address >>>> your #2, interoperability being the big barrier. >>>> -------------- next part -------------- >>>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>>> URL: >>>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/1fb19da4/attachment-0001.html> >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> Message: 6 >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:52:12 -0800 >>>> From: "michael gurstein" <[hidden email]> >>>> To: <[hidden email]>, <[hidden email]>, >>>> "civicaccess discuss" <[hidden email]> >>>> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Invitation to Join Discussion re: Open >>>> Government Partnership (OGP) process in Canada >>>> Message-ID: <001801cdf035$2683d7c0$738b8740$@gmail.com> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >>>> >>>> Dear colleagues, >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> We are Canadians who have been actively involved with the Open Government >>>> Partnership (OGP) process, including by participating in the OGP meeting >>>> in >>>> Brasilia in April 2012. The OGP is a joint government - civil society >>>> initiative to promote greater openness, participation and accountability >>>> in >>>> countries which have already attained a minimum standard of openness. >>>> Canada >>>> joined the OGP in September 2011. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Participation by interested stakeholders is a key feature of the design of >>>> the OGP. There is equal representation of civil society and government >>>> representatives on the lead body of the OGP, the Steering Committee. More >>>> importantly, a key mechanism of the OGP is for countries to develop and >>>> then >>>> implement Action Plans setting out their commitments for moving forward in >>>> terms of openness, participation and accountability. Governments are >>>> formally required to consult extensively with civil society and other >>>> interested stakeholders in developing and delivering on their Action >>>> Plans. >>>> Civil society will also play a key role in reporting on progress in >>>> implementing Action Plans, including through its participation in a >>>> parallel >>>> Independent Reporting Mechanism, which will present its findings on >>>> progress >>>> alongside those of the government. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> In several countries, civil society groups and other stakeholders have >>>> formed networks or coalitions to work together to help ensure effective >>>> external input into the development, implementation and evaluation of >>>> Action >>>> Plans. We are proposing to set up such a network in Canada and we are >>>> proposing, as a first step, to establish a discussion list involving >>>> external (i.e. non-government) groups and individuals who have a >>>> demonstrated commitment to open government and who are interested in >>>> getting >>>> engaged in this important work. We envisage this as a loose and open >>>> network, through which anyone could propose discussions, ideas or action >>>> points relating to OGP. The network would have no voice or right of action >>>> of its own, and so participation in the network or the discussion list >>>> would >>>> not involve any obligations or engagements. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> As an example of how the network might work, we note that, to date, Canada >>>> has not complied with its OGP obligations in the area of consultations. >>>> There was very limited civil society or other stakeholder participation in >>>> the development of the Action Plan, which Canada presented in Brasilia in >>>> April, and there has been little consultation since then on implementation >>>> of the Plan. The network might through the e-list discuss this issue and >>>> come up with actions which interested groups and/or individuals could >>>> participate in (always on a voluntary basis). >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Please let us know if you are interested in joining such an initiative. To >>>> join, visit: >>>> http://ogp.opengovcanada.ca/mailman/listinfo/discussion_opengovcanada.ca >>>> and >>>> follow the subscription instructions. If you have any questions, please >>>> send >>>> these to [hidden email]. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Thanks for your attention and interest in these key issues. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> David Eaves, >>>> >>>> Open Government Advocate and OpenNorth Board Member >>>> >>>> Vancouver, BC >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Michael Gurstein Ph.D. >>>> >>>> Centre for Community Informatics Research, Development and Training >>>> >>>> Vancouver, BC >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Toby Mendel >>>> >>>> Executive Director, Centre for Law and Democracy >>>> >>>> Halifax, NS >>>> >>>> -------------- next part -------------- >>>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>>> URL: >>>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/aac242c0/attachment.html> >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>>> [hidden email] >>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >>>> >>>> End of CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10 >>>> *************************************************** >>> >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >>> [hidden email] >>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> _______________________________________________ >> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> [hidden email] >> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss > > _______________________________________________ > CivicAccess-discuss mailing list > [hidden email] > http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss |
Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10
|
|
Thanks so much to everyone who has contributed to this discussion so far. I have learned a lot, and will be reading up on the orgs and projects that were mentioned. I think this conversation deserves a wider audience.
For the ODX event, what do you think of a panel on Opportunity in Open data: how to get project funding; open data entrepreneurship; the main categories of products/services to sell as a vendor; profiles of
regional and domain markets. 45 minutes total, plus 10 minutes q&a. Michael Roberts & Michael Lenczner, would you consider being panelists for this? For the 3rd person I would look for the buyer's perspective.
(The event wil have about 80 people, and all panels would be posted to youtube.) Cheers Ted On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 4:34 PM, Michael Lenczner <[hidden email]> wrote: Just wanted to say thanks for writing this reponse, James. It's great |
Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10
|
|
If there's any travel budget for the event, or if Skype is an option, Luke Closs is a great speaker on the different business models available for open data enterprises. Some thoughts on open data business opportunities:
In general, however, unless you are selling an open data catalog like CKAN or Socrata, or consulting on the implementation of an open data standard like IATI, open data is often tangential or even irrelevant to your business. For example, Recollect.net start out using open data to prove its service offer, but ultimately it got lots of clients who did not publish their garbage routes and schedules as open data, and its services don't depend on the availability of open data. In the end, open data acted as a catalyst for that business idea, but it wasn't really necessary to its success. The same story goes for a lot of businesses around open data. Products/services narrowly targeting open data are more or less limited to the two categories mentioned above. The only other category I can think of is creating your own open data and offering services around it (you couldn't sell the data you created, because then it wouldn't be open). There are lots of opportunities around data, but that data doesn't need to be open for those opportunities to be realized. Many data businesses bring up open data as a talking point or as a way to get developers to use their platform, but it's not necessary to their business model. Funding for open data businesses is no different really from any other business. And funding for open data nonprofits is minimal to begin with - I've done quite a bit of research on that.
On 2013-01-14, at 10:59 PM, Ted Strauss wrote:
|
Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10
|
|
Hi,
To build on James's points, I think there is another business opportunity that's a bit different from the Recollect.net business model related to offering open data insights. To give an example: As more and more data is shared as open data, organizations like the Foundation Center in NYC have changed their business model towards offering value added services and insights into open data. The Foundation Center used to collect foundation data from annual reports of foundations, and then sell this consolidated data back to the public. It had a closed model 10 years ago, but not so today. These days, data collected by the Foundation Center is more and more being marked up and shared as structured open data by foundations, and the Foundation Center has recognized this change, and adjusted their business model accordingly. Instead of selling basic foundation data, the Foundation Center focuses on analysis of that open data, and combines it with other open data sets from non-US foundations, OECD-DAC donors and others. Some of their data analysis is available for free and some of it is available as a subscription. I just got off the phone with them, and so far, they are finding this to be a viable business model for now. see - http://glasspockets.org/work/reportingcommitment/map.html as one example of the type of things they are doing. My guess is, once there are thousands and thousands of datasets online and open, companies helping people to find this data, draw insight from this data, and integrate this data with other open datasets, will be a viable business model provided there is a large enough market for those insights to support it. That doesn't seem to be the case with mobile apps designed around single open data sets, but it's not clear to me if those efforts were ever designed to generate revenue or were merely efforts at creating attention towards a public good and that showcased a companies technical skills. Cheers, Michael On 2013-01-14, at 11:23 PM, James McKinney <[hidden email]> wrote: > If there's any travel budget for the event, or if Skype is an option, Luke Closs is a great speaker on the different business models available for open data enterprises. Some thoughts on open data business opportunities: > > In general, however, unless you are selling an open data catalog like CKAN or Socrata, or consulting on the implementation of an open data standard like IATI, open data is often tangential or even irrelevant to your business. For example, Recollect.net start out using open data to prove its service offer, but ultimately it got lots of clients who did not publish their garbage routes and schedules as open data, and its services don't depend on the availability of open data. In the end, open data acted as a catalyst for that business idea, but it wasn't really necessary to its success. The same story goes for a lot of businesses around open data. > > Products/services narrowly targeting open data are more or less limited to the two categories mentioned above. The only other category I can think of is creating your own open data and offering services around it (you couldn't sell the data you created, because then it wouldn't be open). There are lots of opportunities around data, but that data doesn't need to be open for those opportunities to be realized. Many data businesses bring up open data as a talking point or as a way to get developers to use their platform, but it's not necessary to their business model. > > Funding for open data businesses is no different really from any other business. And funding for open data nonprofits is minimal to begin with - I've done quite a bit of research on that. > > > On 2013-01-14, at 10:59 PM, Ted Strauss wrote: > >> Thanks so much to everyone who has contributed to this discussion so far. >> I have learned a lot, and will be reading up on the orgs and projects that >> were mentioned. I think this conversation deserves a wider audience. >> For the ODX event, what do you think of a panel on Opportunity >> in Open data: how to get project funding; open data entrepreneurship; >> the main categories of products/services to sell as a vendor; profiles of >> regional and domain markets. 45 minutes total, plus 10 minutes q&a. >> >> Michael Roberts & Michael Lenczner, would you consider being panelists >> for this? For the 3rd person I would look for the buyer's perspective. >> (The event wil have about 80 people, and all panels would be posted to youtube.) >> >> Cheers >> Ted >> >> >> -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Michael Roberts -- Acclar Open Aid Data web: www.acclar.org email: [hidden email] facebook: http://www.facebook.com/acclar.open twitter: @acclar skype: mroberts_112 |
Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10
|
|
In reply to this post by James McKinney-2
Hi James,
On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 11:23 PM, James McKinney <[hidden email]> wrote:
I saw Luke Closs' talk in Ottawa and really enjoyed it. But yes travel budgets & skyping are not ideal for an event of this modest scale.
Great point, and certainly fits with my own experience. So those seeking opportunities must consider that open data will always be just one component of a project/job.
The question then is: what are all the bubbles in the venn diagram of open data opportunities? I'd say that all the following and more and in the tool belt-- - CC licensed gov't data
- CC licensed science data - other data, various licenses (including unknown license) - deploying open source web products (e.g. open spending, ckan) - custom software/web development
- databases - ontology, linked data - geographic - data science, statistics - infographics, information visualization, dashboards
- scraping, data entry - journalism - social media, blogging, evangelism - academic writing, technical writing - grant writing, project management
- communicating between groups from different backgrounds
I'd argue there could be exceptions to this, when data services make it easier to find or access a dataset. Consider datamarket.com, who sell data. I don't know for sure, but I'd bet that some of their data is openly licensed.
That is how the 'commercial use' option of the creative commons license enables economic opportunity for the folks who can remix or disseminate the content. I would agree that the dollar amount of opportunity in this space is currently
very small, but there is huge opportunity for growth, if you believe "data is the new oil".
I agree, and I see nothing wrong with that. 'Open' is useful in some cases, but in others can be a barrier to commerce. A project that is proprietary one day can be made open the next day, just by flipping a switch.
We as operators need to be flexible and understanding of each project's constraints to help organizations navigate the shift that is taking place. That is part of the opportunity.
If the funding is minimal in our region but strong in other regions, then that's important to share with students or startups (blush) who will be in the room at ODX. I think I'll move this conversation to private email, since some readers might be getting bored of it. A final note about ODX. in addition to the business-ee discussion, we want to give equal weight to the amazing outcomes being realized
by many Open data projects, and to the technology developments that will drive change in coming years. If there are any suggestions from those domains, we'd like to hear them. Ted
|
Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10
|
|
In reply to this post by Ted Strauss
I think a panel on funding / business models would be great.
On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 10:59 PM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> wrote: > Thanks so much to everyone who has contributed to this discussion so far. > I have learned a lot, and will be reading up on the orgs and projects that > were mentioned. I think this conversation deserves a wider audience. > For the ODX event, what do you think of a panel on Opportunity > in Open data: how to get project funding; open data entrepreneurship; > the main categories of products/services to sell as a vendor; profiles of > regional and domain markets. 45 minutes total, plus 10 minutes q&a. > > Michael Roberts & Michael Lenczner, would you consider being panelists > for this? For the 3rd person I would look for the buyer's perspective. > (The event wil have about 80 people, and all panels would be posted to > youtube.) > > Cheers > Ted > > > > On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 4:34 PM, Michael Lenczner <[hidden email]> wrote: >> >> Just wanted to say thanks for writing this reponse, James. It's great >> to have a sense of the funding for this work in the UK. >> >> >> Michael Lenczner >> CEO, Ajah >> http://www.ajah.ca >> 514-708-5112 >> http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellenczner >> >> >> On Sun, Jan 13, 2013 at 6:10 PM, James McKinney <[hidden email]> >> wrote: >> > >> > On 2013-01-13, at 3:08 PM, Michael Lenczner wrote: >> > >> >> On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 12:47 PM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >> >> wrote: >> >>> Gerry Tychon: >> >>> What would you say are the factors affecting the delays >> >>> in getting the data you've asked for: is it bureaucracy, an >> >>> unwillingness >> >>> to publish more sensitive datasets, or something else? >> >>> Are there any other lessons you've learned along this process, >> >>> vis-a-vis >> >>> success/failures of the Open data movement? >> >>> >> >>> Michael Roberts & Michael Lenczner: >> >>> Would be very useful to know if there are certain types of projects >> >>> that >> >>> receive more funding in the UK, >> >> >> >> Uh, all the projects. :) Democracy projects, international aid >> >> projects, open corporates, etc. I attended open data conferences in >> >> 2004 in London. We're kind of just ... behind. >> >> >> >>> or whether certain business models have >> >>> worked there that haven't worked here in Canada. >> >> >> >> I don't know any of those cases, but I'm not aware of the UK Open data >> >> projects that are self-funded (I have no doubt that there are some). >> > >> > UK foundation and government funding for civic projects like mySociety's >> > has all but dried up. Around the time mySociety launched in 2003-2004, the >> > UK government was putting a lot of money towards online innovation in the >> > civic sector. That hasn't been the case for a few years. NESTA continues to >> > invest in social innovation, but with less emphasis on online projects. >> > >> > mySociety now gets its biggest grants from Open Society and Omidyar >> > Network for its international work - not for its work in the UK. In terms of >> > self-funding, mySociety also has a for-profit that sells products and >> > services to local governments, like its petition websites and customized >> > FixMyStreet.com. Grants are still its primary source of funding. >> > >> > I don't know of OpenCorporates receiving any funding. It's a for-profit >> > corporation, which eliminates most sources of funding. OpenCorporates >> > founder Chris Taggart also runs OpenlyLocal.com, which AFAIK has only >> > received a small grant from NESTA to integrate and relaunch >> > PlanningAlerts.com. >> > >> > The Open Knowledge Foundation won a Knight News Challenge, and gets >> > significant funding from the Omidyar Network, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, >> > and Open Society. In terms of self-funding, it sells CKAN, its open data >> > catalogue. I don't know that any of its work is UK-specific (a good strategy >> > for getting significant funding!). >> > >> > The only country that I know of with a strong philanthropic community >> > for open government projects is the US. The UK still invests a lot in >> > structuring open data initiatives, e.g. its £10M gift to the Open Data >> > Institute, but I haven't seen any big gifts to specific open data projects >> > (e.g. to create an open data standard for a specific use case) or to other >> > open government projects in recent years. >> > >> > The UK is ahead in terms of culture and knowledge with respect to open >> > data and open government, but I would no longer say that it's ahead in terms >> > of funding every kind of open data/govt project. >> > >> > >> > >> > >> >>> If government transparency isn't always the most effective argument, >> >>> is ROI from Open data projects (e.g. reducing wasted efforts) an >> >>> argument >> >>> that has traction with funders? >> >> >> >> Depends. We used that argument a lot when we were doing lobbying at >> >> the municipal level, although it didn't end up being the arguments >> >> that they used to explain their actions. >> >> >> >> On a separate note, if you plan on participating on this list instead >> >> observing, you should probably switch from digest mode to regular >> >> mode. Both for the convenience of other users and for posteriety >> >> (mailing list archives). >> >> >> >>> >> >>> Re social media & evolution of search, a great question (for ODX) is >> >>> how will web, mobile, and social applications evolve as Open data >> >>> becomes more developer friendly (API access to data sources, >> >>> smart privacy controls, complete metadata, RDF annotation.) >> >>> We are arguably still in a widget & app paradigm, where each project >> >>> focusses on a specific problem, integrations are limited. >> >>> What will be possible when all of the back-end data tech. is >> >>> automatic? >> >>> >> >>> Here's a couple web searches we can't do today but should be able to >> >>> in 5 >> >>> years: >> >>> "I want to do some community work in exchange for lunch today in my >> >>> neighborhood, preferably with someone in my personal network." >> >>> "If I get a degree in botany, what will my job prospects be like in 5 >> >>> years >> >>> in North America." >> >>> >> >>> Ted Strauss >> >>> >> >> >> >> cheers, >> >> >> >> Mike >> >> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 2:54 PM, >> >>> <[hidden email]> wrote: >> >>>> >> >>>> Send CivicAccess-discuss mailing list submissions to >> >>>> [hidden email] >> >>>> >> >>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >> >>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> >>>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >> >>>> [hidden email] >> >>>> >> >>>> You can reach the person managing the list at >> >>>> [hidden email] >> >>>> >> >>>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >> >>>> than "Re: Contents of CivicAccess-discuss digest..." >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> Today's Topics: >> >>>> >> >>>> 1. Re: Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal (Gerry Tychon) >> >>>> 2. Canada: Crown Copyright, Legal Access and Teranet Surveys - >> >>>> T. Scassa (Tracey P. Lauriault) >> >>>> 3. Legal Issues in Cartography: Information Maps, Freedom of >> >>>> Expression and Privacy - T. Scassa (Tracey P. Lauriault) >> >>>> 4. Re: Open Data Exchange 2013 in Montreal (Michael Roberts) >> >>>> 5. Re: CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 9 (Ted Strauss) >> >>>> 6. Invitation to Join Discussion re: Open Government Partnership >> >>>> (OGP) process in Canada (michael gurstein) >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >>>> >> >>>> Message: 1 >> >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:11:33 -0700 >> >>>> From: Gerry Tychon <[hidden email]> >> >>>> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]> >> >>>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Open Data Exchange 2013 in >> >>>> Montreal >> >>>> Message-ID: <[hidden email]> >> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed >> >>>> >> >>>> I think I would like to say that the "disconnect" is not between the >> >>>> "data published" and the people but rather it is a disconnect between >> >>>> the "data publishers" and the data consumers. Not only am I waiting >> >>>> for >> >>>> data I asked for but I am still waiting for an acknowledgment that I >> >>>> even asked for the data. >> >>>> >> >>>> On 11/01/2013 9:48 AM, Michael Lenczner wrote: >> >>>>> My two "favorite" problems would be: >> >>>>> >> >>>>> 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that >> >>>>> people >> >>>>> want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >> >>>>> municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >> >>>>> >> >>>>> and >> >>>>> >> >>>>> 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which >> >>>>> is >> >>>>> connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >> >>>>> don't have viable business models. >> >>>>> >> >>>>> >> >>>>> >> >>>>> On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 8:34 AM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >> >>>>> wrote: >> >>>>>> The Open Data Exchange 2013 (odx13.com) is a mini-conference >> >>>>>> bringing >> >>>>>> together Open Data experts and enthusiasts to discuss achievements >> >>>>>> and >> >>>>>> challenges of using data for citizen engagement, international aid, >> >>>>>> scientific research, and more. It is happening April 6 in Montreal, >> >>>>>> at >> >>>>>> Jeanne Sauv? House. Registration is free. ODX is being organized by >> >>>>>> Ted >> >>>>>> Strauss (me) and Naomi Kincler, who are the co-founders of the >> >>>>>> startup >> >>>>>> Trudat, launching later this year. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> I'm writing to civicaction today to kickstart some of the >> >>>>>> discussions >> >>>>>> that >> >>>>>> will take place at ODX. This is especially relevant since a few >> >>>>>> people >> >>>>>> on >> >>>>>> this list have been invited as panelists for the event. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> One of the first topics we will address are the achievements and >> >>>>>> challenges >> >>>>>> of the Open Data movement since it began roughly five years ago. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> Leaving aside that 'Open data' will mean different things to >> >>>>>> different >> >>>>>> people, I'll suggest a few trends I consider notable. Please jump >> >>>>>> in >> >>>>>> and >> >>>>>> suggest your own. Be as specific/general/controversial/technical as >> >>>>>> you >> >>>>>> like. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> #1. Infographics in newspapers, online news, social media, and apps >> >>>>>> have >> >>>>>> raised the basic understanding by mainstream media consumers of >> >>>>>> data-oriented displays. When used well, infographics help people >> >>>>>> understand >> >>>>>> the world better so they can make better decisions. This also has >> >>>>>> tangible >> >>>>>> benefits for justice, public health, resource efficiency, etc. The >> >>>>>> challenge >> >>>>>> is that infographics can be -and often are- poorly executed, overly >> >>>>>> simplistic, or intentionally misleading. Like any other media. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> #2. Hundreds of cities, regions, and countries have launched open >> >>>>>> data >> >>>>>> portals with permissive licensing, allowing people to do great >> >>>>>> things >> >>>>>> with >> >>>>>> their data. The challenges with some of these portals however is >> >>>>>> that >> >>>>>> there >> >>>>>> are still technical and economic barriers to accessing many of >> >>>>>> these >> >>>>>> datasets, as well as a lack of tools to access and use them in >> >>>>>> meaningful >> >>>>>> ways. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> #3. Scientific consortiums have launched repositories and tools for >> >>>>>> sharing >> >>>>>> data, code, and publications. This accelerates scientific discovery >> >>>>>> and >> >>>>>> knowledge dissemination. The challenge however is that exponential >> >>>>>> growth of >> >>>>>> scientific data is not being met by solutions that overcome the >> >>>>>> challenges >> >>>>>> of usability, interoperability, and open dissemination. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> Ted Strauss >> >>>>>> Trudat >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >> >>>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> >>>>>> [hidden email] >> >>>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >> >>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> >>>>> [hidden email] >> >>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> >>>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> ------------------------------ >> >>>> >> >>>> Message: 2 >> >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:28:10 -0500 >> >>>> From: "Tracey P. Lauriault" <[hidden email]> >> >>>> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]>, >> >>>> [hidden email], [hidden email] >> >>>> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Canada: Crown Copyright, Legal Access >> >>>> and Teranet Surveys - T. Scassa >> >>>> Message-ID: >> >>>> >> >>>> <[hidden email]> >> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >> >>>> >> >>>> Copyright in Public Documents >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> http://www.teresascassa.ca/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=114:copyright-in-public-documents&Itemid=81 >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> -- >> >>>> Tracey P. Lauriault >> >>>> Post Doctoral Fellow >> >>>> Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre >> >>>> https://gcrc.carleton.ca/confluence/display/GCRCWEB/Lauriault >> >>>> http://datalibre.ca/ >> >>>> 613-234-2805 >> >>>> -------------- next part -------------- >> >>>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> >>>> URL: >> >>>> >> >>>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/9f2ce82e/attachment-0001.html> >> >>>> >> >>>> ------------------------------ >> >>>> >> >>>> Message: 3 >> >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:30:19 -0500 >> >>>> From: "Tracey P. Lauriault" <[hidden email]> >> >>>> To: civicaccess discuss <[hidden email]>, >> >>>> CAGLIST >> >>>> <[hidden email]>, CCA List >> >>>> <[hidden email]>, >> >>>> [hidden email] >> >>>> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Legal Issues in Cartography: >> >>>> Information Maps, Freedom of Expression and Privacy - T. >> >>>> Scassa >> >>>> Message-ID: >> >>>> >> >>>> <CAPT_w+=[hidden email]> >> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >> >>>> >> >>>> Information Maps, Freedom of Expression and Privacy >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> http://www.teresascassa.ca/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=116:information-maps-freedom-of-expression-and-privacy&Itemid=81 >> >>>> >> >>>> -- >> >>>> Tracey P. Lauriault >> >>>> Post Doctoral Fellow >> >>>> Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre >> >>>> https://gcrc.carleton.ca/confluence/display/GCRCWEB/Lauriault >> >>>> http://datalibre.ca/ >> >>>> 613-234-2805 >> >>>> -------------- next part -------------- >> >>>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> >>>> URL: >> >>>> >> >>>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/2f27e33f/attachment-0001.html> >> >>>> >> >>>> ------------------------------ >> >>>> >> >>>> Message: 4 >> >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:03:43 -0500 >> >>>> From: Michael Roberts <[hidden email]> >> >>>> To: [hidden email], civicaccess discuss >> >>>> <[hidden email]> >> >>>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] Open Data Exchange 2013 in >> >>>> Montreal >> >>>> Message-ID: <[hidden email]> >> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 >> >>>> >> >>>> Hi Gerry, all, >> >>>> >> >>>> I think in Canada what Michael Lenczer says may be true re: 3). In >> >>>> the >> >>>> UK, I see an incredible amount of both interest and funding for open >> >>>> data >> >>>> initiatives. Why isn't that the case in Canada? What's positive >> >>>> about >> >>>> what you say is that you are demanding this data at all. It wasn't >> >>>> always >> >>>> that way. >> >>>> >> >>>> I think there are two other issues; data engagement and finding data >> >>>> easily. To publish data as a public good is important. Second, >> >>>> how can >> >>>> tools like social media play a role in the engagement of this data, >> >>>> and >> >>>> third, how can search change to help us find and use this data. >> >>>> >> >>>> Cheers, >> >>>> Michael >> >>>> >> >>>> On 2013-01-11, at 12:11 PM, Gerry Tychon <[hidden email]> wrote: >> >>>> >> >>>> I think I would like to say that the "disconnect" is not between the >> >>>> "data >> >>>> published" and the people but rather it is a disconnect between the >> >>>> "data >> >>>> publishers" and the data consumers. Not only am I waiting for data I >> >>>> asked >> >>>> for but I am still waiting for an acknowledgment that I even asked >> >>>> for the >> >>>> data. >> >>>> >> >>>> On 11/01/2013 9:48 AM, Michael Lenczner wrote: >> >>>>> My two "favorite" problems would be: >> >>>>> >> >>>>> 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that >> >>>>> people >> >>>>> want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >> >>>>> municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >> >>>>> >> >>>>> and >> >>>>> >> >>>>> 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which >> >>>>> is >> >>>>> connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >> >>>>> don't have viable business models. >> >>>>> >> >>>>> >> >>>>> >> >>>>> On Fri, Jan 11, 2013 at 8:34 AM, Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >> >>>>> wrote: >> >>>>>> The Open Data Exchange 2013 (odx13.com) is a mini-conference >> >>>>>> bringing >> >>>>>> together Open Data experts and enthusiasts to discuss achievements >> >>>>>> and >> >>>>>> challenges of using data for citizen engagement, international aid, >> >>>>>> scientific research, and more. It is happening April 6 in Montreal, >> >>>>>> at >> >>>>>> Jeanne Sauv? House. Registration is free. ODX is being organized by >> >>>>>> Ted >> >>>>>> Strauss (me) and Naomi Kincler, who are the co-founders of the >> >>>>>> startup >> >>>>>> Trudat, launching later this year. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> I'm writing to civicaction today to kickstart some of the >> >>>>>> discussions >> >>>>>> that >> >>>>>> will take place at ODX. This is especially relevant since a few >> >>>>>> people >> >>>>>> on >> >>>>>> this list have been invited as panelists for the event. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> One of the first topics we will address are the achievements and >> >>>>>> challenges >> >>>>>> of the Open Data movement since it began roughly five years ago. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> Leaving aside that 'Open data' will mean different things to >> >>>>>> different >> >>>>>> people, I'll suggest a few trends I consider notable. Please jump >> >>>>>> in >> >>>>>> and >> >>>>>> suggest your own. Be as specific/general/controversial/technical as >> >>>>>> you >> >>>>>> like. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> #1. Infographics in newspapers, online news, social media, and apps >> >>>>>> have >> >>>>>> raised the basic understanding by mainstream media consumers of >> >>>>>> data-oriented displays. When used well, infographics help people >> >>>>>> understand >> >>>>>> the world better so they can make better decisions. This also has >> >>>>>> tangible >> >>>>>> benefits for justice, public health, resource efficiency, etc. The >> >>>>>> challenge >> >>>>>> is that infographics can be -and often are- poorly executed, overly >> >>>>>> simplistic, or intentionally misleading. Like any other media. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> #2. Hundreds of cities, regions, and countries have launched open >> >>>>>> data >> >>>>>> portals with permissive licensing, allowing people to do great >> >>>>>> things >> >>>>>> with >> >>>>>> their data. The challenges with some of these portals however is >> >>>>>> that >> >>>>>> there >> >>>>>> are still technical and economic barriers to accessing many of >> >>>>>> these >> >>>>>> datasets, as well as a lack of tools to access and use them in >> >>>>>> meaningful >> >>>>>> ways. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> #3. Scientific consortiums have launched repositories and tools for >> >>>>>> sharing >> >>>>>> data, code, and publications. This accelerates scientific discovery >> >>>>>> and >> >>>>>> knowledge dissemination. The challenge however is that exponential >> >>>>>> growth of >> >>>>>> scientific data is not being met by solutions that overcome the >> >>>>>> challenges >> >>>>>> of usability, interoperability, and open dissemination. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> Ted Strauss >> >>>>>> Trudat >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >> >>>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> >>>>>> [hidden email] >> >>>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >> >>>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> >>>>> [hidden email] >> >>>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> >>>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> _______________________________________________ >> >>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> >>>> [hidden email] >> >>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> -------------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >>>> Michael Roberts -- Acclar Open Aid Data >> >>>> web: www.acclar.org >> >>>> email: [hidden email] >> >>>> >> >>>> facebook: http://www.facebook.com/acclar.open >> >>>> twitter: @acclar >> >>>> skype: mroberts_112 >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> ------------------------------ >> >>>> >> >>>> Message: 5 >> >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:09:27 -0500 >> >>>> From: Ted Strauss <[hidden email]> >> >>>> To: [hidden email] >> >>>> Subject: Re: [CivicAccess-discuss] CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol >> >>>> 66, >> >>>> Issue 9 >> >>>> Message-ID: >> >>>> >> >>>> <[hidden email]> >> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >> >>>> >> >>>>> >> >>>>> My two "favorite" problems would be: >> >>>>> >> >>>>> 1) the disconnect between the data published and the data that >> >>>>> people >> >>>>> want (I'm still waiting for open 311 data, police blotter data, and >> >>>>> municipal voting, contracts and real estate / zoning) >> >>>>> >> >>>>> >> >>>>> >> >>>> Figuring out what people want is a great challenge, since it's >> >>>> complicated >> >>>> to know what data exists, why it should be open, and what problems >> >>>> can >> >>>> be solved with it. How can we take some of the mystery out of that >> >>>> process, >> >>>> so more people can contribute their ideas, and imagine >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>>> >> >>>>> 2) the lack of use of the open data that has been published (which >> >>>>> is >> >>>>> connected to problem 3) lack of funding for open data projects that >> >>>>> don't have viable business models. >> >>>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> I think Tim Berners-Lee's 5 stars <http://5stardata.info/>of open >> >>>> data >> >>>> would go a long way to address >> >>>> your #2, interoperability being the big barrier. >> >>>> -------------- next part -------------- >> >>>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> >>>> URL: >> >>>> >> >>>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/1fb19da4/attachment-0001.html> >> >>>> >> >>>> ------------------------------ >> >>>> >> >>>> Message: 6 >> >>>> Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:52:12 -0800 >> >>>> From: "michael gurstein" <[hidden email]> >> >>>> To: <[hidden email]>, <[hidden email]>, >> >>>> "civicaccess discuss" <[hidden email]> >> >>>> Subject: [CivicAccess-discuss] Invitation to Join Discussion re: Open >> >>>> Government Partnership (OGP) process in Canada >> >>>> Message-ID: <001801cdf035$2683d7c0$738b8740$@gmail.com> >> >>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >> >>>> >> >>>> Dear colleagues, >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> We are Canadians who have been actively involved with the Open >> >>>> Government >> >>>> Partnership (OGP) process, including by participating in the OGP >> >>>> meeting >> >>>> in >> >>>> Brasilia in April 2012. The OGP is a joint government - civil society >> >>>> initiative to promote greater openness, participation and >> >>>> accountability >> >>>> in >> >>>> countries which have already attained a minimum standard of openness. >> >>>> Canada >> >>>> joined the OGP in September 2011. >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> Participation by interested stakeholders is a key feature of the >> >>>> design of >> >>>> the OGP. There is equal representation of civil society and >> >>>> government >> >>>> representatives on the lead body of the OGP, the Steering Committee. >> >>>> More >> >>>> importantly, a key mechanism of the OGP is for countries to develop >> >>>> and >> >>>> then >> >>>> implement Action Plans setting out their commitments for moving >> >>>> forward in >> >>>> terms of openness, participation and accountability. Governments are >> >>>> formally required to consult extensively with civil society and other >> >>>> interested stakeholders in developing and delivering on their Action >> >>>> Plans. >> >>>> Civil society will also play a key role in reporting on progress in >> >>>> implementing Action Plans, including through its participation in a >> >>>> parallel >> >>>> Independent Reporting Mechanism, which will present its findings on >> >>>> progress >> >>>> alongside those of the government. >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> In several countries, civil society groups and other stakeholders >> >>>> have >> >>>> formed networks or coalitions to work together to help ensure >> >>>> effective >> >>>> external input into the development, implementation and evaluation of >> >>>> Action >> >>>> Plans. We are proposing to set up such a network in Canada and we are >> >>>> proposing, as a first step, to establish a discussion list involving >> >>>> external (i.e. non-government) groups and individuals who have a >> >>>> demonstrated commitment to open government and who are interested in >> >>>> getting >> >>>> engaged in this important work. We envisage this as a loose and open >> >>>> network, through which anyone could propose discussions, ideas or >> >>>> action >> >>>> points relating to OGP. The network would have no voice or right of >> >>>> action >> >>>> of its own, and so participation in the network or the discussion >> >>>> list >> >>>> would >> >>>> not involve any obligations or engagements. >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> As an example of how the network might work, we note that, to date, >> >>>> Canada >> >>>> has not complied with its OGP obligations in the area of >> >>>> consultations. >> >>>> There was very limited civil society or other stakeholder >> >>>> participation in >> >>>> the development of the Action Plan, which Canada presented in >> >>>> Brasilia in >> >>>> April, and there has been little consultation since then on >> >>>> implementation >> >>>> of the Plan. The network might through the e-list discuss this issue >> >>>> and >> >>>> come up with actions which interested groups and/or individuals could >> >>>> participate in (always on a voluntary basis). >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> Please let us know if you are interested in joining such an >> >>>> initiative. To >> >>>> join, visit: >> >>>> >> >>>> http://ogp.opengovcanada.ca/mailman/listinfo/discussion_opengovcanada.ca >> >>>> and >> >>>> follow the subscription instructions. If you have any questions, >> >>>> please >> >>>> send >> >>>> these to [hidden email]. >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> Thanks for your attention and interest in these key issues. >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> David Eaves, >> >>>> >> >>>> Open Government Advocate and OpenNorth Board Member >> >>>> >> >>>> Vancouver, BC >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> Michael Gurstein Ph.D. >> >>>> >> >>>> Centre for Community Informatics Research, Development and Training >> >>>> >> >>>> Vancouver, BC >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> Toby Mendel >> >>>> >> >>>> Executive Director, Centre for Law and Democracy >> >>>> >> >>>> Halifax, NS >> >>>> >> >>>> -------------- next part -------------- >> >>>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >> >>>> URL: >> >>>> >> >>>> <http://lists.pwd.ca/pipermail/civicaccess-discuss/attachments/20130111/aac242c0/attachment.html> >> >>>> >> >>>> ------------------------------ >> >>>> >> >>>> _______________________________________________ >> >>>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> >>>> [hidden email] >> >>>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> >>>> >> >>>> End of CivicAccess-discuss Digest, Vol 66, Issue 10 >> >>>> *************************************************** >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> _______________________________________________ >> >>> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> >>> [hidden email] >> >>> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> >> _______________________________________________ >> >> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> >> [hidden email] >> >> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> > [hidden email] >> > http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss >> _______________________________________________ >> CivicAccess-discuss mailing list >> [hidden email] >> http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss > > > > _______________________________________________ > CivicAccess-discuss mailing list > [hidden email] > http://lists.pwd.ca/mailman/listinfo/civicaccess-discuss |
«
Return to CivicAccess
|
1 view|%1 views
| Free forum by Nabble | Edit this page |