How do you take the same data that everybody has access to and convert it into a billion dollar business? When do you look at all the data in the world and say you want more (and that you are going to collect it like no one has done before)? How do you stop worrying about open data, and begin solving development challenges instead? Who is doing what with open data and how and why?
The private sector, especially in the developed world, has shown that it’s possible to build open data driven businesses that are commercially viable AND produce economic/development impact. How do they do it, and what does it take to sustain such businesses? That’s what we’ll be asking panelists during “The Data Revolution is Here - How is Open Data Changing the Private Sector’’ event on March 10 at The World Bank. Also on the agenda are questions such as: What challenges are better solved through emerging data techniques than others? Is the private sector truly smarter with data than development agencies? How are new data techniques different from traditional ones? Where do the data gaps truly lie (especially in developing countries), and more (yes, including the one about whether open data business is all about money or if it truly produces tangible social impact!).
Speakers include Ines Kapphan from the Climate Corporation, Ash Casselman from Metabiota, and Joel Gurin from the GovLab, whose recent book on the commercial uses of open data is among the most comprehensive on the subject. We strongly encourage you to register if you haven’t done so already or, if you can’t make it to our Washington DC office, join the event remotely via World Bank Live (we start at 3 P.M. ET on March 10). For those on Twitter, the event hashtag is #Data4Impact - send us any questions you have and we’ll try and ask them during the event.
See you there.
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World Bank Group Finances is the online access point for IBRD, IDA, and IFC open financial data. The website features datasets that cover loans, contracts, trust funds, investments, and financial statements. A related mobile app, which allows you to “talk” to us more easily about operational and financial data in nine languages, is available for download for Android and iOS smartphone and tablet users at the Google Store and the iTunes Store, respectively. Follow us on Twitter to join and remain engaged in the conversation about the Bank’s open financial data.
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