What is the problem? Turning public data to business opportunities

Public authorities produce large amounts of data that could become the raw material for new, innovative cross-border applications and services e Examples of products and services based on the re-use of public sector information (PSI) are GPS, weather forecasts, financial and insurance services.

PSI is the single largest source of information in Europe. Its estimated market value is €27 billion. Re-used, this public data could generate new businesses and jobs and give consumers more choice and more value for money.

Why is EU action needed.? To unlock the public data potential across Europe

Often the use of this information is restricted to governments or public bodies. Governments could stimulate content markets by making public sector information more widely available for re-use on transparent and effective terms.

What has the European Commission done?

• A Directive was adopted in 2003 which lays down basic principles of availability, transparency and cost limits to ensure a level playing field for commercial re-users of public sector information.
• In preparation for a review, the Commission has held a public consultation on the review of the PSI Directive and published an analysis of the responses

What will the European Commission do?

• Drawn up an impact assessment of the various options and, if appropriate, propose a revision of the Directive

Ongoing actions:

• Awareness-raising and promotional activities through seminars and workshops organised by Member States and stakeholders,
• Networking across Europe and in a wider international context (with Member States, PSI Alliance, national industrial associations, PSI platform, software developers and open data communities) to further stimulate action and monitor progress towards a stronger and more transparent environment for the growth of European PSI.

Contact:

richard.swetenham@ec.europa