New European Data Portal is a key step in seizing multi-billion euro potential of Open Data

Open Data refers to the information collected, produced or paid for by public bodies and can be freely used, modified and shared by anyone.. For the period 2016-2020, the direct market size for Open Data is estimated at EUR 325 billion for Europe. Capgemini’s study “Creating Value through Open Data” illustrates how Open Data can create economic value in multiple ways including increased market transactions, job creation from producing services and products based on Open Data, to cost savings and efficiency gains. For instance, effective use of Open Data could help save 629 million hours of unnecessary waiting time on the roads in the EU; and help reduce energy consumption by 16%. The accumulated cost savings for public administrations making use of Open Data across the EU28+ in 2020 are predicted to equal 1.7 bn EUR. Reaping these benefits requires reaching a high level of Open Data maturity.

In order to address the accessibility and the value of Open Data across European countries, the European Union has launched the Beta version of the European Data Portal. The Portal addresses the whole Data Value Chain, from data publishing to data re-use. Over 240,000 data sets are referenced on the Portal and 34 European countries. It offers seamless access to public data across Europe, with over 13 content categories to categorise data, ranging from health or education to transport or even science and justice. Anyone, citizens, businesses, journalists or administrations can search, access and re-use the full data collection. A wide range of data is available, from crime records in Helsinki, labor mobility in the Netherlands, forestry maps in France to the impact of digitisation in Poland.

Where do European countries stand in implementing Open Data?

The study, “Open Data Maturity in Europe 2015: insights into the European state of play”, uses two key indicators: Open Data Readiness and Portal Maturity. These indicators cover both the maturity of national policies supporting Open Data as well as an assessment of the features made available on national data portals. The study shows that the EU28+ have completed just 44% of the journey towards achieving full Open Data Maturity and there are large discrepancies across countries. A third of European countries (32%), recognised globally, are leading the way with solid policies, licensing norms, good portal traffic and many local initiatives and events to promote Open Data and its re-use.   Dinand Tinholt, VP and EU lead at Capgemini, says: “In our world of connected people and connected things, citizens, businesses and organisations need a better, faster and more comprehensive view of data to help decision-making. This portal does precisely that. We are delighted to collaborate with the European Commission on this journey towards reaping the full benefits of Open Data. This is the first European assessment of Open Data in a series of three annual studies, planned for 2016 and 2017. We have adopted a comprehensive approach encompassing the political environments favorable to Open Data, the expected impact, the development of portals and their maturity and finally the main barriers faced. This study will serve as the knowledge base to help build a network of European experts and develop strategies for national activity to promote Open Data.”

Recommendations

In order to help accelerate adoption of Open Data in the EU28+ countries, the reports provide a series of recommendations:

• Increase awareness among citizens and businesses around Open Data;
• Adopt a free cost model as much as possible for Open Data to encourage re-use;
• Add basic functionalities to portals to increase user friendliness and stimulate re-use;
• Maximise the use of site analytics in order to better understand who uses the portal and for what purpose, and optimise the offered content and services;
• Develop national guidelines dealing with issues such as priority domains and frequency of Data release to help support local initiatives;
• Measure the success of an Open Data initiative to help identify benefits and room for improvement.

The deployment of the European Data Portal is led by Capgemini Consulting in association with the Open Data Institute (ODI), Intrasoft International, Time.lex, Sogeti, the University of Southampton, con terra and Fraunhofer Fokus, on behalf of the European Commission.

For more information and to view the reports visit:

• www.europeandataportal.eu/en/content/creating-value-through-open-data 
• www.europeandataportal.eu/en/content/open-data-maturity-europe

Capgemini has a dedicated Insights & Data global practice with over 11,000 professionals across 40 countries to help businesses derive insight from data, by combining technology excellence, data science and business expertise.

– ENDS –

About Capgemini Consulting

Capgemini Consulting is the global strategy and transformation consulting organisation of the Capgemini Group, specialising in advising and supporting enterprises in significant transformation, from innovative strategy to execution and with an unstinting focus on results. With the new digital economy creating significant disruptions and opportunities, our global team of over 3,600 talented individuals work with leading companies and governments to master Digital Transformation, drawing on our understanding of the digital economy and our leadership in business transformation and organisational change.

Find out more at: http://www.capgemini-consulting.com @CapgeminiConsul
 

About Capgemini

With 180,000 people in over 40 countries, Capgemini is one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services. The Group reported 2014 global revenues of EUR 10.573 billion. Together with its clients, Capgemini creates and delivers business, technology and digital solutions that fit their needs, enabling them to achieve innovation and competitiveness. A deeply multicultural organisation, Capgemini has developed its own way of working, the Collaborative Business Experience^TM, and draws on Rightshore^®, its worldwide delivery model.

Rightshore^® is a trademark belonging to Capgemini