From the opening
moments of CODS18 it was evident. Open Data is growing up. Its early days of naïve
optimism and promise replaced by a critical adolescent who questions
everything.
"It's the nature of government to be somewhat opaque in order to hold power. Open Government movements are up against a deeply ingrained political culture of secrecy." -- Gregg Currie, Selkirk College Librarian
An important yet often unrecognized aspect of open data is the standardization process. It is easy to get excited about the many benefits of open data, the innovative technology involved, the new applications being developed, and the uncharted legal adventures that could follow; but the tedious processes of opening data aren’t as exciting.
We stand in the enormously fortunate and powerful position of determining exactly what smart cities will be. If they are to be equitable, accessible, sustainable, social, and safe places, it will be determined by the questions we ask and answer right now.
Open data for rural open government. Okay …
That’s an “everything is on the internet nowadays” concept, right? Simple enough, but like most simple ideas, as one turns that terrific little gem around in her hands, more and more facets appear.