Note of Open Data Governance Board Meeting 24th Nov 2015

Meeting of the Open Data Governance Board (ODGB)

DPER B13, 7-9 Merrion Row, Dublin 2

2.30pm, Tuesday 24^th November 2015

NOTE

Members:

Emer Coleman (Chair), Denis Parfenov (Open Knowledge Ireland), Suzanne Duke (LinkedIn), Ashling Cunningham (Ervia), Sandra Collins (National Library of Ireland), Dennis Jennings (Knous.ie), Daithí Mac Síthigh (Newcastle University), Cronan McNamara (Creme Global) Dietrich Rebholz (Insight NUIG), William Beausang (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform).

Secretariat:

Evelyn O’Connor (Head of Open Data Unit), Martin Troy (Open Data Unit)

The inaugural meeting of the Open Data Governance Board was held in Dublin on Tuesday 24^th November.

The meeting kicked off with a brief welcome from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr Brendan Howlin, T.D., who explained why he considers the Open Data Initiative to be a key element of the Irish Government’s Reform Agenda.

Evelyn O’Connor then provided background on the story to date in building the foundations for the Open Data Initiative, demonstrating the significant progress made and pointing to the challenges facing the Irish public service in delivering Open Data that meets real needs.

Welcoming this update, Emer Coleman emphasised her ethos of strategy equalling delivery. Emer acknowledged that good momentum has been established with Open Data, but that this needs to be renewed with significantly more data being released in open formats. This work should be complemented by a focus on datasets where real demand exists and real benefits can be delivered. In particular, there is a potential for Open Data to provide economic stimulus.  With this in mind, Emer outlined what she saw as key priorities i.e. identification of high value datasets by users, the need to audit data custodians which we need to collaborate with, prioritisation of the release of high value datasets which will in turn promote usage and case studies, setting deadlines for publication of datasets (roadmap) and the need to audit existing datasets.  

Following the initial presentations the Board considered the current Open Data landscape in Ireland and discussed opportunities for quick wins and longer-term progress.

Scope

The ODGB will provide a governance structure which will promote engagement by all stakeholders, including public bodies. This will, in turn, facilitate the joining-up of Open Data from Central Government, Offices and Agencies, and local authorities in a coherent and cohesive way.

The ODGB noted that, while data from right across the Public Service will be required for the Open Data Initiative to succeed, an incremental approach is valuable. The logic is that by doing, pioneer public bodies can show what can be achieved, and other public bodies will follow their example.

In terms of whether public bodies could be compelled to engage in the Open Data Initiative, the Board agreed that encouragement leading to participation would be the preferred approach. However, it was also noted that the Minister may consider ways of compelling engagement if necessary.

Collaboration

The cornerstone of the Open Data Initiative is collaboration and the Board recognised that early and frequent collaboration will yield ‘quick wins’ and introduce renewed momentum into the Initiative.

Through ongoing collaboration with stakeholder groups, it will be possible to identify specific high value datasets for prioritisation. By including public bodies in these collaborative activities, the prioritisation can be rooted in an understanding of what can actually be delivered.

By looking at areas where real value can be delivered, it will be possible to create a coalition of the willing to drive the next phase of the Open Data Initiative.

Audits

The first step in the identification and prioritisation of datasets for publication as Open Data will be the audit process that is being rolled out across public bodies by DPER. By carrying out audits, public bodies will be able to develop publication plans which will prioritise datasets and facilitate publication of an Open Data Release Roadmap. Delivery of datasets against an agreed timeline will allow the Public Service to demonstrate momentum.

The Audit methodology adopted for the Irish Public Service, based on Comsode, will allow public bodies and other Stakeholders to track the frequency of updates and provenance of datasets and will, in turn, allow public bodies, civil society, researchers, entrepreneurs and developers to use the published data to deliver benefits.

However, the Board is realistic and recognises that the audits of data must be accompanied by an understanding of the resource implications for the different strands of Government. The vision will only be realised if it is matched by funding.

Communicating

The ODGB is a resource that can help deliver results by sharing their experience of best practice in Open Data; by communicating their views of where the opportunities and challenges are; and how they can be addressed; and by identifying where the significant gaps are.  The Board will consider various communication fora and use of visualisation tools to encourage and support public bodies in publishing open data as well as promoting usage by developers and the wider community.

Working arrangements

Emer proposed and the Board agreed the practical working arrangements of the Board.  These included frequency of meetings (every 2 months), technologies that would be used between Board members and to build engagement with the wider open data community, etc.

Next steps

• Consider the OKFN wishlist for release of datasets
• Identification of public representatives (including international actors) to discuss opportunities for progressing Open Data in Ireland and to share international best practice and experience
• Consider further enhancements of the portal to make it more user friendly  
• Set up ODGB blog for use by Board members
• Doodle poll to issue with potential dates for January and meetings over the coming year