24.02.14
New £1.5m fund for opening up public data
The government is awarding £1.5m to encourage the opening up of public sector data.
Marking International Open Data Day, which held on Saturday, The Open Data User Group (ODUG) is released 50 case studies on open-data-led business and applications on data.gov.uk, the government’s flagship data portal.
Cabinet Officeminister Francis Maude said: “The UK is a world-leader in opening up data because we know that it creates a more accountable, efficient and effective government. Open Data is a raw material for economic growth, supporting the creation of new markets, business and jobs and helping us compete in the global race. To ensure this agenda continues to thrive, we are supporting a number of projects which will drive forward this culture of openness.”
ODUG is collecting bids for funding from the new £1.5m pot. The first round of funding is for projects that will release public data directly, but also those that will help boost skills in the public sector. More funding will follow later this year.
More than 100 training places will be available for senior public servants. The training will cover how open data can improve efficiency, bring savings and innovation, and provide wider economic benefits. The aim is to help improve public data release in the future.
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