The first round of funding supports 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.
A number of projects aim to improve the release of public data at a local level – e.g. the Leeds Data Mill will provide citizens with freely available data about public services.
Other projects will help all local authorities to release specific data in a consistent way – e.g. the Local Authority Voucher Scheme will encourage every local authority to release data on public conveniences, gritting and planning in the same format. Projects like this will help the open data community to develop national products using this data – which has not been consistently available or standardised before now.
The Minister for the Cabinet Office, 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”
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