Benefits of Open Data

Open Data encourages innovation, a wider audience for government information, and allows for quicker and better development of products and infrastructure.

Open Data:

• Supports innovation - Access to knowledge resources in the form of data supports innovation in the private and public sectors by reducing duplication and promoting reuse of existing resources. The availability of data in machine-readable formats allows for creative mash-ups that can be used to analyze markets, predict trends and requirements, and direct businesses in their strategic investment decisions.
• Leverages public sector information to develop consumer and commercial products - Open and unrestricted access to scientific data for public interest purposes, particularly statistical, scientific, geographical, and environmental information maximizes its use and value. The reuse of existing data in commercial applications improves time for businesses to bring new products to market.
• Enables Better use of existing investment in broadband and community information infrastructure - Canada has invested in information and communications networks in the form of technical infrastructure and community services, such as libraries and social service agencies. This investment will continue to add value-for-money for Canadians by extending Web technology from a one-way communications medium to a collaborative environment.
• Supports research - Access to federal research data supports evidence-based primary research in Canadian and international academic, public sector, and industry-based research communities. Access to collections of data, reports, publications, and artifacts held in federal institutions allows researchers to use these collections.
• Supports informed decisions for consumers - Providing access to public sector service information to support informed decision-making; for example, real-time air travel statistics can help travelers to choose an airline and understand the factors that can lead to flight delays.