The answer to this is a little more complex than merely ‚data that anyone can access, use and share as the open data initiative was established by Tim Berners-Lee (the inventor of the World Wide Web). The Open Data Institute’s Open Definition states: „Open data is information that can be freely used, re-used and redistributed.“ It also states „Universal participation should be made possible.“ This means that it does not exclude any fields of endeavour individuals, entities or groups and should not impose limitations on commercial use, nor restrict the intermixing of data sets.“
Accessibility to the format is another important aspect in making data useful. Datasets should be stored in a format that is easily accessible, can be downloaded and processed by computer applications and updated automatically whenever new data are released. They must also be be linked to each other to provide context and allow for the development of new analyses.
Another important aspect of open data initiatives that are successful is that they must be focused on the most important issues facing your organisation or the government. This is a good way to begin gaining support from leaders, and will ensure that any funds invested in open data is spent on projects that have the highest potential for achieving positive results and creating sustainable value. This could be in the form of boosting employment, improving sustainability, increasing transparency or supporting community engagement.