Creating an ecosystem around open government data
The launch of Open Kenya has been much discussed and written about (e.g. here, here and here). In the panel discussion about "Putting data to work", Al Kags (@alkags) pointed out that the real work happens after the launch of an open data platform. Speaking for the Open Institute and the government of Kenya, Al just outlined his lessons learned for creating an ecosystem that makes use of the data:
- Build community catalysts (via websites/ communities)
- Build skills (boot camps, master classes, university classes)
- Embed change agents (inside media houses, codeforafrica and related organizations)
- Rapid prototyping (e.g. in incubator spaces; Kenya has 6 incl. iHub)
- Create proof of concept (challenge, seed funding)
- Scale success (venture funds)
For the success of open government data initiatives, other panelists in the "Making Data Work" panel from Moldova, Mexico, Brazil and the US agreed that it's key to bring together representatives from different ministries and agencies to make data available. But just as critical is the involvement of other stakeholders - and citizens in particular - to make use of the data and enable sustainability of the effort.
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