Print PDF

In recent years the government has made significant progress in increasing access to a wide range of  public sector information (PSI) through the Open Data initiative.   Various studies have projected large economic and social benefits from easier access to such information and the exploitation of new technology in mining it to provide new or better services.  However, unlike the existence of a national physical infrastructure plan, which lays out how the country should maintain a sound physical infrastructure (e.g. roads, railways, utilities), no such plan exists for the development of a similar information infrastructure.

The Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information (APPSI), an independent body which advises the government on public sector data, has recently published a paper which summarises its views on a strategic framework for PSI re-use.  The paper, A National Information Framework for Public Sector Information and Open Data, includes a wide ranging discussion on the various issues which will need consideration in the development of  such a framework.

The APPSI is welcoming views on the paper; please email the APPSI secretariat with comments and views.

The Government’s Advisory Panel on Public Sector Information (APPSI) is an independent UK-wide Non-Departmental Public Body of the Ministry of Justice. APPSI advises Ministers and the Director of the Office of Public Sector Information (The National Archives) on matters relating to Public Sector information re-use.  Its members are drawn from the business and entrepreneurial, economic, academic, ICT, legal and public sector communities, also including local government and health sector experience and representing all three Devolved Administrations.