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Open Data - the Why?

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Why is Open Data important?

For government to make evidence-based decisions on policy, budgets and public services, they need data. For citizens to engage with government and hold them accountable, they need data. For civil society to target their programs and measure development goals, they need data. For companies to develop new innovations and make investment decisions, they need data. For Nepal’s youth to do their studies and be able to fully realize their potential in society, they need data.

Data on lots of topics already exists in Nepal – health, education, population, economy, environment, etc., however much of it is kept private or shared in formats that prevent the data being used freely. Sharing data in open format means that everyone can get equal access to important evidence that can be used in lots of different ways to improve people’s lives.

Nepal is facing many pressing development challenges related to poverty, accountability, transparency, economic development, and social inclusion. To address these challenges, the use of reliable, accessible evidence to inform decision-making, monitor progress, and evaluate development outcomes is essential. The term “open data” refers to the format in which this evidence should be produced, shared and used.

Progress in the sharing and use of data for development in open format in Nepal has been made over recent years – concepts of data transparency and rights to data have become increasingly known to champions both inside and outside government, and there is growing recognition of open data as an important tool for development. The government has taken important steps to open up its data - releasing open data on topics like foreign aid money, government purchasing, and earthquake related needs. Non-government groups are working to encourage and support the opening up of data, and coming up with innovative ways to increase awareness about data and the benefits of opening it up as well as building capacity to use the data. Open Nepal is a community of organizations and individuals who want to see better sharing and use of open data.

Helpful Resources

The Importance of Open Data – World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/02/the-importance-of-open-data

The Economic Benefits of Open Data – European Data Portal: https://www.europeandataportal.eu/en/highlights/economic-benefits-open-…

Benefits of Open Data – European Data Portal: https://www.europeandataportal.eu/en/using-data/benefits-of-open-data

Open Data in Developing Economics – The GovLab: http://odimpact.org/developingeconomies.html

Why should the government know about Open Data?

Open data can help governments to make informed decisions and policies. For example, open data on demographics can help governments to more effectively allocate resources based on the needs of different provinces and municipalities. Open data on health and education can help governments to identify key populations that require service delivery, and target the efforts of development partners. Open data on budgets and foreign aid can help governments to track financial flows and ensure commitments are met. With Nepal moving into the federal structure, data will play a critical role for governments at all spheres to understand one another and their needs, and to plan effective services and policy. Similarly, open data will allow governments as well as citizens to track progress of and evaluate the effectiveness of service delivery and policies in Nepal. Opening government data will lead to transparency that will also ensure public trust and faith in the government.

Over the past decade, open data as an idea has been gaining political relevance with its benefits potential for governance beginning to be seen around the world. Open government data is increasingly being recognized as the best practice around the world for transparency, accountability, efficiency and evidence-based decision-making. In Nepal too, the idea of open data and open government is beginning to gain in importance. The federal government is the most important supplier and user of data and can play an integral role in pioneering the sharing and use of open data.

Why should civil society know about Open Data?

Open Data can help civil society organisations to better understand ground realities and respond to them effectively. For example, open data from surveys of people’s needs, attitudes and practices can help civil society organisations set target for their activities. Open data on the work of civil society organizations can help others avoid duplication of efforts, and can help in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of development projects. In addition, open data from governments can help civil society to monitor government performance and hold them accountable.

There is huge potential for civil society to play a catalytic role in encouraging the supply and use of open data, and in demonstrating the value and potential of open data for Nepal’s development. Open Nepal is a group of non-government organisations which are trying to build Nepal’s open data ecosystem.

Why should the private sector know about Open Data?

Open government data can be used by businesses to improve business processes and enable their more efficient and profitable operations - businesses require easy access to routine information on key processes and official data to underpin their regular business procedures. For example, companies need to know about customs schedules, registration procedures, how to pay their taxes, labour markets, consumer markets, and about government procurement tenders, etc. Open government data can be also used by business to enable new data-driven products and services – businesses can use open data to create business opportunities through the analysis and integration of open data (e.g. mapping data, data on market prices, data on consumers) in products and services.