Sustainable business models for open data: A strategy for reuse in the public sector

The latest paper Exploring Business Models for Public Open Data Resources emphasises the vital role of sustainable business models in transforming open data from a passive resource into a dynamic catalyst for economic growth. This paper builds on insights gathered from the data.europa.eu campaign, which included the report on New Business Models for Data-driven Services, a webinar and focus group discussions with open data professionals and enthusiasts. 

The report outlines key findings that demonstrate the impact and challenges of open data. While the EU has made strides in promoting open data access through initiatives like the Open Data Directive and the Digital Europe Programme, substantial barriers still exist, including technical, legal, and cultural challenges. These issues hinder the realisation of open data's full economic potential. 

To address these challenges, the report proposes several policy recommendations. First, it advocates for an ecosystem approach that encourages public-private partnerships and supports intermediary organisations. This collaboration aims to bridge the gaps between data providers and users. Second, it calls for investments in data literacy and analytical skills within public institutions, as well as the establishment of robust technological infrastructures. Lastly, the report emphasises the importance of user-centric data publication strategies that prioritise high-value datasets and ensure quality and usability. 

By leveraging the insights from the campaign, this summary paper serves as a roadmap for public institutions across Europe, providing actionable recommendations to maximise the value creation and reuse of open data, ultimately driving economic growth and innovation in public services. 

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