Open data,open cities: Experiences from the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. Case Helsinki Region Infoshare www.hri.fi

Abstract

Despite the short history of open data there is evidence that open data can significantly contribute to open government and transparency, citizens engagement, better informed decisions, innovative applications, better services, new businesses and jobs. Unlocking data introduces a new culture bringing also challenges, above all such as legal, technical and economic ones. The paper will discuss early experiences of open data and demonstrate, by using the Helsinki Region Infoshare open data service www.hri.fi as a case study, how to set up an open data service and how to make the opening of data part of the daily work of staff members in the municipalities concerned. In addition the case study will show that it is not enough to open data, you should also promote and encourage the use of the open data.