Open data in Scotland: a blueprint for unlocking innovation, collaboration and impact

Executive Summary

The Scottish Government has the opportunity to unlock the potential of open data to drive innovation, foster collaboration and generate impact. To do this, it needs to set out a strong vision for open data in Scotland, then coordinate and promote its publication and use.

Scotland can look to a global open data movement for inspiration. Developments over the last decade have provided a solid foundation for best practices and technical approaches, which can make data publication simpler and more sustainable. The result is higher quality data that can be analysed and repurposed in multiple contexts, which shortens the route to impact. Worldwide, governments are adopting an intentional approach to data publication, which reframes open data as a useful tool to achieve policy goals and societal impacts, rather than as a technical output aimed at a niche audience. Scotland is progressing on both fronts but more can be done to unlock the full social and economic potential of open data.

The first step is to establish a vision for open data in Scotland, which positions open data as a key tool for advancing policy priorities, rather than as a tick box exercise. Crucially, this approach requires collaboration among stakeholders: from data publishers, to the public and private sector, and civil society. In turn, this collaborative approach can forge new partnerships, drive data publication that is driven by social and economic needs, and foster a long-term commitment to open data that can achieve lasting impact.

The second step is to develop a pathway for implementation that will lead to impact; by making informed decisions about the technologies and standards used to publish and access data; and by providing appropriate support to publishers. This approach relies on transparent reporting and continuous improvement. By measuring impact and celebrating success, the Scottish Government can maximise the benefits of open data in Scotland, in line with the commitments to improving open data provision in the Open Government action plan^[1].

The full report provides an overview of trends in open data, and reports on feedback from open data practitioners in Scotland. We set out five recommendations, which outline how the Scottish Government can position itself as a leader in open data and evidence based policy making.