Open Data Research Symposium 2018

Open Data can improve government, empower citizen, create opportunities and solve public problems -- but it’s not a panacea. To better understand and harness its impact, we need to delve deeper to unpack the dynamics of open data practices. We also need to maintain a critical perspective and develop empirically-tested theories on the publication and use of open data.

Now in its third year, the Open Data Research Symposium (ODRS18) provides members of the global open data community an opportunity to shape the field’s research agenda. Specifically, researchers will have a chance to share completed research that is robust, relevant and has the ability to inform our understanding of open data’s contribution to society. 

The Symposium is presented by The Governance Lab (The GovLab), Open Data for Development (OD4D), the Open Data Research Network (ODRN), and the International Development Research Center (IDRC).

ODRS18 will take place over one full day on September 25, 2018 in Bueno Aires, just ahead of the biannual International Open Data Conference (IODC) that is also taking place in Argentina’s capital. The Symposium will be divided into morning paper presentations and afternoon workshops.

Researchers will present 8-12 accepted papers representing a variety of disciplines as well as cross-country and cross-sector collaborations -- all with an emphasis on empirical social research. Workshops will share tools or processes relevant to the research community. Participants will also explore ways to revive the Open Data Research Network (ODRN) and offer input on how best to create a vibrant, invaluable and inclusive open data research network.

You can see the full ODRS 2018 program at this link.

ODRS18 presentations and workshops will explore topics that include:

• Open data intermediaries;
• Open data and the business community;
• Open data governance, policy and legislation;
• Open data for decision-making and problem-solving;
• Open data research infrastructure;
• Open data for developing economies;
• Institutionalising open data; and
• Risks, privacy and quality issues.

The ODRS18 Program Committee includes the following members:

• Stefaan Verhulst  (The GovLab, NYU Tandon School of Engineering)
• Francois van Schalkwyk (University of Stellenbosch)
• Emmy Chirchir (Münster University)
• Michael Canares (World Wide Web Foundation)
• Tim Davies (Open Data Services Co-operative)
• Silvana Fumega (ILDA)
• Gustavo Magalhaes (UT Austin | Portugal CoLab)
• Michelle McLeod (University of the West Indies)
• Johanna Walker (University of Southampton)

For more information about the Symposium, please contact either Francois Van Schalkwyk or Stefaan Verhulst, visit the ODRS18 website, or follow ODRS18.