[GSDI Legal Socioecon] More on open data from governments

[Roger Longhorn]

See the excellent article in GIM International at:

http://www.gim-international.com/news/id6308-Europe_Opens_Access_to_Public_Data.html?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20111213+GIM


  Europe Opens Access to Public Data


Extract: "Public sector bodies which have drastically cut their charges 
for re-use have seen the number of re-users increase by between 1,000% 
and 10,000%. For instance, in the case of Danish Enterprise and 
Construction Authority (DECA) the number of re-users went up by 10,000% 
leading to a re-use market growth of 1,000% over eight years. The 
additional tax revenue for the government is estimated to be four times 
the reduction in income from fees. "


Well worth a read - and some contemplation, as well!


Maybe this sort of press will spur on other governments to look again at 
their data charging, access, use and re-use policies (including in the 
USA - where only federal data is free, not for other levels of government!)

Kind regards


Roger
ral at alum.mit.edu
vice-Chair, GSDI Assoc Outreach & Membership Committee