| Abstract |
Open Data is valuable source for improving transparency in governance and solving civic problems. When data reserves are opened up as widely as possible, the data becomes raw material for diverse opportunities. The data sets provided through open data portal can be stored, refined and reused by companies and developers to innovate and create new products and services. The data sets should be accessible to a wide range of users, could be accessed for free, could be automatically processed and should have minimal limitations on its transfer and distribution. Innovation, collaboration and growth of new businesses is facilitated as the outcome of such opportunities. The opening up of public services data facilitates innovation of new products and services which create new businesses. Strategy projects related to smart urban development in the cities of Finland provide the models for a collaborative platform required in the near future. A sustainable open data ecosystem would be need to capitalize on the benefits of open data, thereby helping in a transparent, participatory governance. |