IDRC - International Development Research Centre

Published purpose

Open data – information from governments and other institutions made accessible to all - is becoming a major driver for social change, innovation and development, contributing to increasing trust in institutions, more transparent and accountable governance, more innovative economies, more effective service delivery and more engaged citizens. Through the Open Data for Development (OD4D) program, Canada supports innovative approaches to help realize the full potential of open data to transform governments, civil society and business, to empower women and girls, and to ensure benefits for citizens in developing countries. OD4D supports a coordinated network of initiatives and institutions around the world whose activities include providing training for civil society and government officials; evaluating the impact of open data; creating regional peer networks; and supporting governments to plan and implement open data policies. This third phase of OD4D seeks to facilitate the use of data to improve inclusion and gender equality, good governance and economic growth, thus ensuring that open data contributes to achieving the 2030 Agenda. OD4D activities include: (1) exploring how data can drive inclusion, better governance and empowerment, including for women, Indigenous and LGBTQI+ people; (2) supporting research on the impact of data use on development outcomes; (3) enhancing southern perspectives in data governance; and (4) further building OD4D regional hubs’ capacity.