IDRC - International Development Research Centre

Published purpose

The project aims to harness the potential of open data initiatives to achieve development outcomes such as enhanced transparency and accountability, better public service delivery and greater citizen participation. By funding the Open Data for Development (OD4D) Program in partnership with the World Bank and the UK, Canada seeks to scale innovative, proven approaches, and strengthen coordination amongst open data initiatives to help realize the full potential of open data to transform governments, civil society and business, and 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; commissioning evaluations on the impact of open data; creating regional peer networks; and supporting governments to plan and implement open data policies. Open data - information from governments and other institutions made accessible to all – can be used to create economic value, foster civic engagement, and enhance transparency and accountability within governments. The culture and systems that support the release of information, as well as the ability and awareness of governments, civil society and business to use it, are often collectively referred to as an open data ecosystem.