The benefits of data come when it is used

Data

Yesterday, IT Minister Hatt held a hearing with representatives of the ICT industry to get input for the upcoming eGovernment strategy. The topic was how the government can support the use of open data and the need for open standards.

It is clear that there are many stakeholders (municipalities, county councils, authorities, established companies, entrepreneurs, citizens). As well as the perceived opportunities for benefit creation (administrative efficiency, innovation and growth-creating conditions for business, increased transparency and citizen participation).

Many participants highlighted the need for oversight, marginal cost pricing, the use of new forms of procurement, ensuring that data is handled securely, etc.

Good for you. But most rewarding were a couple of presentations that described how increased access to publicly owned data affects the role of government as such.

Peter Krantz, formerly of the eDelegation, talked about how collaboration on data creates more innovation and greater value. This has, among other things, revolutionized analysis processes in mining exploration with great profits as a result.

The Swedish Transport Agency described how the market's free access to the Road Traffic Register has led to private actors increasingly doing parts of the agency's work. This both creates growth and gives the Swedish Transport Agency the opportunity to focus on its core activities.

If this trend continues, not only will the work of public authorities change radically. But also the relationship between businesses, governments and citizens.

By the way, did you know that the travel planning app Res I STHLM has 250,000 downloads, and is used by 80,000 Stockholmers every day? And it's free. The guy who developed it is giving it away because he doesn't see a need to charge.

If one person can create and deliver such a service without compensation - then it looks bright for our future public eGovernment. Or IT in the service of welfare, as it was so beautifully called in the Government's invitation.

The title I took from Peter Krantz presentation. Too good not to be reused 🙂