Beyond Transparency: Open Data and the Future of Civic Innovation

by Brett Goldstein (Editor), Lauren Dyson (Contributor)

The rise of open data in the public sector has sparked innovation, driven efficiency, and fueled economic development. While still emerging, we are seeing evidence of the transformative potential of open data in shaping the future of our civic life, and the opportunity to use open data to reimagine the relationship between residents and government, especially at the local level. As we look ahead, what have we learned so far from open data in practice and how we can apply those lessons to realize a more promising future for America's cities and...

Genres: Nonfiction, Technology

316 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2013

Reviews

[Bluedisc · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is anthology of works of people in the field of open data. It includes civic servants, business owners, and non-profits. It provides a history of successes, failures, and problems with open data. It is worth a read for anyone dealing with open data principles. What it also revealed to me was the possibility that there is a sort of libertarian "open market" drive behind the push for open data. It did not say it explicitly in some of the chapters, but the sentiment is behind some of the authors with quotes of "that which governs best governs least". That being said, it doesn't seem like opening data does any true harm. The book helped me to come to the point where I would advocate for private institutions to open their data too as it shouldn't hurt them either.

[Leanne Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite some loose categories imposed by the book's 'parts' structure, the essays could get a little samey. In particular, Tim O'Reilly's government as platform quote turned up in many of the essays. that said, it's an inspiring look at the power of open data to drive civic initiatives that improve communities and in some cases, free up government resources to focus on bigger issues. There is learning in this for people of all disciplines - while data is the focus, the content is non-technical and many of the examples can apply across other business challenges.

[Du · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful and insightful discussion about data, how it's developed and how it is used by the public sector, abs the private sector. It really is a collection of essays with a common theme, but works of much better than that sounds. I liked the progression of the ideas and the way they were integrated.

[Genie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent book with very quick chapters written by practitioners of open data and open government. Stories from the beginning of this critical movement! A must read for people interested in open data issues.

[Yuandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book with various case study of implementing civic tech and open data. Some cases are very good and practical, though some cases borders on concepts.