There is a growing body of opinion that open data will be led by cities and towns, as the benefits from efficiencies gained and more intelligent uses of data, coupled with the environment for enhanced engagement and co-production of public service are ones that have greatest impact at a local level. Open data also offers the chance to create innovative new services and products that have benefit for citizens, businesses and public bodies alike.

Integrating open data into council systems and processes is challenging. Data and information within public bodies is dispersed and often adhoc. It is core to delivery but also subject to institutional systems that often make it undiscoverable or siloed.

Birmingham City Council has made a commitment to making data openly available for internal use and for the outside community. It is on the way to building an open data platform and this is an opportunity to listen and talk to James Cattell project lead for Digital Birmingham and Andrew Mackenzie from Open Mercia and Open Data User Group regarding how this is being accomplished.

For further information the latest update regarding the project can be found here: