Efficient utilisation of open data [Completed]

The project aims at producing information on the cost-effective ways of promoting the use and effectiveness of open data. The first goal is to determine indicators and a model for assessing impacts and cost-effectiveness of opening up data (particularly data in national base registers) in practice. In addition, we undertake a survey for the national base register offices to shed light on the degree of openness of the base registries in Finland, the most important types of data used and barriers (excluding legal barriers) preventing organizations’ to open up their data.

Second goal of the project is to use existing data to explore some key expected impacts of open data. Previously collected survey data on the use of open data will be used for impact assessment, by combining it with firm-level statistical databases of Etla. We use advanced statistical methods for exploring the relationship between the firms’ use of open data and their performance (e.g. employment, growth). Currently, limited existing data concerning open data use does not allow us to undertake an exhaustive impact assessment.

The third goal of the project is to assess potential policy actions, practices and/or structural changes in national base registries that are needed to enhance cost-effective utilization of government databases.