The Scottish Government’s Digital Directorate has announced the publication of an independent report on the future of open data in Scotland, marking out the vision for public sector use of open data, as well as key recommendations and next steps to maximise its value and impact. 

The report, Open Data in Scotland: A Blueprint for Unlocking Innovation, Collaboration and Impact, urges a more targeted approach to publishing open data, aligned with the Scottish Government’s digital strategy. Using this report as a roadmap, the government aims to build on the existing data infrastructure, which currently includes around 300 open datasets from public bodies across Scotland.

Before that can happen, the report suggests the government must first create a clear vision for open data in Scotland, positioning it as a key tool for advancing policy goals and setting a framework for the technologies and standards needed to publish and access open data in the public sector.

To accomplish this, the research presents key recommendations and next steps. The first reiterates the importance of establishing a clear vision that links open data publication to positive change and progress. This would require establishing thematic priorities and following a purpose-driven approach to releasing open data.

Alongside this, the report stresses that the government must broaden the discussion around open data beyond technical outcomes, shifting the narrative to information-availability rather than data access. This, it argues, will help identify user needs that will translate into technical activities in open data programs.

The research also highlights the need for the government to publicly acknowledge the scale of the challenge, and to commit to transparency and collaboration which would allow open data to become a centralised part of future projects.

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Lastly, the report suggests that the government should set the direction and quality standards for open data publication early, and provide targeted technical guidance and support for data publishers and users.

Announcing the publication of the report, Martin Macfie, head of open data in the Digital Directorate’s data division wrote on the department’s blog: “We need to be more strategic in the way we approach the publishing, messaging and culture around open data.  

“We want to maximise the impact and value of open data to better meet user needs, in line with the Public Service Reform Agenda, to improve outcomes for the people of Scotland.”