Open Government Data – Helping or Threathening Governments?

Public institutions in BiH, as in most states of the region, are obligated to deliver information for requests submitted in accordance with the law of free access to information. However, in many cases this does not happen, and even when information is delivered, it is in most cases incomplete or given in a format that can’t be digitally readable or is only made available to those who submit the request. In view of publishing/delivering public data, requests for transparency come from all participants involved in the process of establishing responsibility, and these requests are constantly increasing. Open Government Data, as a proactive publishing of public information in a digitally readable format, is a new paradigm in the world of publicly available information.

From publishing information on the work of institutions. Information on public spending, procurement, to publishing geographical data, infrastructural, and meteorological data, Open Government Data is becoming the standard of government transparency as it is increasingly requested by the larger public.

Should institutions be afraid of these initiatives? Why is there fear of transparency and what are its causes? What are the benefits of publishing data online and in digitally readable format? What are the experiences of OGD initiatives from other states?

These are some of the questions that will be addressed by the Panel members Martin Keegan, Victoria Anderica, Srdjan Blagovčanin, Ermin Zatega.

Moderator: