New rules on Open data and reuse of public sector information start to apply
Tomorrow, 17 July 2021, will mark the deadline for Member States to transpose the revised Directive on open data and reuse of public sector information into national law. The updated rules will stimulate the development of innovative solutions such as mobility apps, increase transparency by opening the access to publicly funded research data, and support new technologies, including artificial intelligence. Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for A Europe fit for the Digital Age, said: “With our Data Strategy, we are defining a European approach to unlock the benefits of data. The new directive is key to make the vast and valuable pool of resources produced by public bodies available for reuse. Resources that have already been paid by the taxpayer. So the society and the economy can benefit from more transparency in the public sector and innovative products.” Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal market, said: “These rules on open data and reuse of public sector information will enable us to overcome the barriers that prevent the full re-use of public sector data, in particular for SMEs. The total direct economic value of these data is expected to quadruple from €52 billion in 2018 for the EU Member States and the UK to €194 billion in 2030. Increased business opportunities will benefit all EU citizens thanks to new services.” The public sector produces, collects and disseminates data in many areas, for example geographical, legal, meteorological, political and educational data. The new rules, adopted in June 2019, ensure that more of this public sector information is easily available for re-use, thus generating value for the economy and society. They result from a review of the former Directive on the re-use of public sector information (PSI Directive). The new rules will bring the legislative framework up to date with recent advances in digital technologies and further stimulate digital innovation. More information is available online.
