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

1. Introduction

This report was commissioned by the Open Data Team in the Scottish Government Digital Directorate to conduct research on the domestic and international open data landscape. The purpose of this research was to understand the current status and requirements in Scotland, and the global context in which they sit. These findings will inform us in bringing existing guidance for open data up to date, and identify any new guidance that needs to be provided.

The research contained two key strands: a series of public workshops (run by Fractals Co-operative) and desk research on the state of open data. In response to the research findings the scope of this report was broadened to cover guidance in the more expansive sense, including technical and policy elements.

The report is structured in three parts. Part one summarises the current state of open data globally, and with reference to Scotland. It examines some of the major themes and best practices that have emerged with respect to publishing data that is valuable, impactful and sustainable. Part two explores the Scottish context in more detail, including brief summaries of the major findings from the public workshops. Part three discusses some particular points identified in the research and makes five recommendations to tackle these and move open data in Scotland forward.