New Project: Ghana Open Data Initiative (GODI)

Uses Cases and Requirements for the Open Data Directory – Draft Open for Comments

Apr 4, 2013 at 6:09 am • José M. Alonso • 2 Comments

Quality rich information and content references is a need when you are dealing with innovative environments such as Open Data, where sharing and reusing are necessary routines in order to advance, and to give Open Data initiatives the visibility and …

Ghana Open Data Bootcamp, Oct 24-26

Oct 19, 2012 at 1:44 pm • José M. Alonso • 1 Comment

As part of our Ghana Open Data Initiative (GODI) efforts, the Web Foundation and the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) have partnered with several organizations, including the World Bank, the Africa Media Initative (AMI) and Google to host the 1st ever data literacy bootcamp in Accra on Oct 24-26. Free seats are available to 30 journalists, 30 developers / coders and 30 digital creatives.

Introducing the Open Data Index

Sep 18, 2012 at 6:00 am • José M. Alonso • 3 Comments

The Web Foundation announced the Web Index less than two weeks ago. The world’s first multi-dimensional measure of the Web’s impact on the world’s people and nations, the Web Index covers 61 developed and developing countries in its first edition and uses over 80 underlying indicators measuring topics such us communications infrastructure, policy, content availability, use of social networks, business use, freedom of speech and e-participation.

Announcing Ford Foundation Grant: Promoting Open Data in Developing Countries

Aug 31, 2012 at 2:45 am • José M. Alonso • Leave a Comment

The Web Foundation is announcing today a new grant, awarded by the Ford Foundation, to demonstrate and accelerate the global adoption of Open Data. Within the scope of this grant, the Web Foundation will continue to contribute to raising …

Call for proposals: open data in developing countries research

Jul 11, 2012 at 9:14 am • José M. Alonso • Leave a Comment

[cross-posted from the project site at http://www.opendataresearch.org/]

WF logo IDRC logo

In recent years, a diverse coalition of actors has pushed the creation and diffusion of open data programmes around the world. Governments, international organizations, businesses, academics, media, civil society organizations, and web developers have …

Measuring Impact of Open Government Data – Open Data Research (South) Meeting Report Now Available

May 24, 2012 at 5:34 am • José M. Alonso • Leave a Comment

The Web Foundation is happy to share a report on the outcomes of a recent meeting of Open Government Data practitioners that took place in Brasilia on April 26th of this year. Given the increasing interest in Open Data programs …

Web Workshop in Serrekunda, The Gambia

May 8, 2012 at 4:45 pm • José M. Alonso • Leave a Comment

The World Wide Web Foundation is organizing a workshop on Web technologies to be held alongside the AfNog and AfriNIC 2012 meetings in The Gambia on Saturday, May 12th. Registration is required to attend.

The Workshop will review recent advances …

Reflections on the Open Government Partnership Annual Event

Apr 27, 2012 at 4:25 am • José M. Alonso • Leave a Comment

Last week, I was in Brasilia to attend the Open Government Partnership annual event. I was completely exahusted when I was boarding the flight that would take me back home last Thursday, but thinking how great the week was. …

New Project: Open Data Research (South)

Mar 26, 2012 at 9:03 am • José M. Alonso • Leave a Comment

Little systematic and empirical research on the impact of Open Data has occurred to date, and no more so has been discussed as to how to empirically measure these important transformations. Furthermore, there are significant risks to marginalized communities that can be exacerbated by emerging practices if the necessary, initial research is not done. Thus, while recognizing the potential of the OGD movement to achieve a range of democratic and developmental outcomes, research must play an important role in guiding future investments on OGD initiatives in order to harness its full potential and mitigate potential, unintended negative effects.

New Project: Ghana Open Data Initiative (GODI)

Feb 1, 2012 at 3:05 am • José M. Alonso • 1 Comment

NITA GODI Sign for Stakeholders Meeting

It’s been an exciting week in Accra. My colleague Stephane Boyera and myself have spent the last week there in meetings to kick-start a new project. It is our pleasure to announce that the Web Foundation will be supporting the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), to spearhead the Ghana Open Data Initiative (GODI).