Stimulate Innovation through Canada’s Open Data Exchange (ODX) (CA0056)

Stimulate Innovation through Canada’s Open Data Exchange (ODX) Why do this: As governments at all levels continue to make more and more open data available to the public, it will be important to help support the private sector in extracting knowledge and value from that data to build their businesses. In order to develop new products, retain talent, and achieve prosperity, competitiveness, and productivity for Canada, Canada’s Open Data Exchange (ODX) was established in 2015 as a partnership among the private, public, and academic sectors to support the commercialization of open data by Canadian companies. How will it be done: The ODX will take advantage of key opportunities to work collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels to increase the number of open data companies in Canada and to explore new methods for improving access and extracting value from open data.

15. Stimulate Innovation through Canada’s Open Data Exchange (ODX)

Commitment Text:

The Government of Canada will partner with the private sector to better understand how companies are using open data, and raise awareness of the possibilities that exist for Canadian entrepreneurs to take advantage of the value of open data.

Milestones:

15.1. Complete a comprehensive mapping of 150 Canadian companies that are using open data to launch new products and services, create commercial and non-profit ventures, optimize their business processes, conduct research, and/or make data-driven decisions.

15.2. Launch an online platform at http://www.opendata500.com/ca to showcase Canada’s Open Data 150.

15.3. Establish a national network of open data users within industry to collaborate on the development of standards and practices in support of data commercialization.

15.4. Collaborate with private industry on three demonstration projects to illustrate the commercialization potential of open data in priority sectors.

15.5. Incubate 15 new data-driven companies by June 2018.

Responsible institution: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario in collaboration with Canada’s Open Data Exchange

Supporting institutions: Communitech; Canadian Digital Media Network; OpenText; D2L; University of Waterloo

Start date: Not specified

End date: Not specified

Editorial Note: The text of the commitment was abridged for formatting reasons. For full commitment text, visit: http://www.opengovpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2001/01/Canada_AP3.pdf.

Context and Objectives

This commitment seeks to support private sector utilisation of open data. As an ancillary goal, it is designed to bridge gaps in understanding how the private sector can extract value from open data, with the intended result of encouraging its use by Canadians. Although the milestones are written in a relatively clear and specific manner, it is worth noting that some of them appear to be continuations of milestones initiated under the previous action plan. Moreover, the milestones do not expand the availability or usability of information beyond the participant companies, though there may be potential wider impact as a result of ODX’s broader activities. Nonetheless, the commitment’s potential impact is assessed as moderate. Its limited scale, in terms of participation and impact, also restricts its relevance to the OGP value of civic participation, though it still qualifies as relevant.

Completion

This commitment is on schedule to be completed.

Open Data Exchange (ODX) completed its mapping of Canadian companies (Milestone 15.1) by the end of June 2017 and launched the results on its website.[Note128: See: https://codx.ca/od150-results-of-150-canadian-companies-for-canada-day/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=OD150.] ODX also completed and launched the online platform to showcase this information, as required under Milestone 15.2.[Note129: See: http://canada.opendata500.com/.]

In order to network participants together, ODX carried out a national tour, and posted reports from Atlantic Canada,[Note130: See: https://codx.ca/odx-cross-canada-trip-report-atlantic-canada/. ] Central Canada,[Note131: See: https://codx.ca/odx-cross-canada-trip-report-central-canada/. ] and Western Canada[Note132: See: https://codx.ca/odx-cross-canada-trip-report-western-canada/. ] on their website. Although it is difficult to directly connect this work to the level of progress made in establishing a national open data industry network, Milestone 15.3 should nonetheless be achievable within the action plan timeframe.

For Milestone 15.4, the self-assessment reports that the three demonstration projects are on schedule, and that ODX is considering expanding its program to include a fourth.[Note133: The draft self-assessment for Commitment 15 is available at: http://open.canada.ca/en/mtsar/commitment-15-stimulate-innovation-through-canadas-open-data-exchange-odx.]

In terms of Milestone 15.5, it is difficult to assess specific progress, since ODX’s 'incubation' activities can constitute a range of things, including expert advice, financial assistance, and technical services. According to the self-assessment, 64 companies have participated in its 'data concierge' services,[Note134: See: https://codx.ca/services/concierge/.] eight companies in its 'Communitech Data Hub,'[Note135: See: https://www.communitech.ca/how-we-help/workspace/communitech-data-hub/.] and eight companies engaged through ODX Ventures.[Note136: See: https://codx.ca/odx-ventures/.] This represents substantial progress, though the endpoint remains somewhat uncertain, and it is tough to tell which of these counts as having been 'incubated'.

Early Results

ODX’s programs continue to progress. One participant, representing ChillWall, told the IRM researcher that their business had been substantially helped by the program, both in terms of receiving financial support to carry their work forward and in terms of guidance and mentorship from the ODX team.[Note137: Interview with Michael Campanelli, 5 October 2017.]

Next Steps

Business development is an important benefit of open data, and the IRM researcher recommends carrying this commitment forward. However, several civil society stakeholders questioned the level of funds currently devoted to promoting private sector development, particularly in comparison to the relative lack of resources available for civil society organisations pursuing similar aims. The IRM researcher recommends creating a parallel structure for incubating civil society programs, particularly to utilise and foster Canadian NGOs who specialize in open data as a conduit and driver of engagement similar to the way ODX operates for the private sector. A parallel civil society voice is also important to balance the role that ODX has in engaging with data producers. If conversations with public authorities on the benefits and values of open data are dominated by private sector voices, this will inevitably shape the prioritisation and approach to disclosure that these officials adopt, which could reflect private sector needs more than those of civil society. The IRM researcher also recommends instituting better transparency structures for ODX itself, including publishing robust financial information and reporting on its website.

15. Stimulate Innovation through Canada's Open Data Exchange (ODX)

Commitment Text: The Government of Canada will partner with the private sector to better understand how companies are using open data, and raise awareness of the possibilities that exist for Canadian entrepreneurs to take advantage of the value of open data.

Milestones:

15.1. Complete a comprehensive mapping of 150 Canadian companies that are using open data to launch new products and services, create commercial and non-profit ventures, optimize their business processes, conduct research, and/or make data-driven decisions.

15.2. Launch an online platform at http://www.opendata500.com/ca to showcase Canada's Open Data 150.
 

15.3. Establish a national network of open data users within industry to collaborate on the development of standards and practices in support of data commercialization.

15.4. Collaborate with private industry on three demonstration projects to illustrate the commercialization potential of open data in priority sectors.

15.5. Incubate 15 new data-driven companies by June 2018.

Responsible institution: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario in collaboration with Canada's Open Data Exchange

Supporting institutions: Communitech; Canadian Digital Media Network; OpenText; D2L; University of Waterloo

Start Date: Not specified

End Date: Not specified

Editorial Note: The text of the commitment was abridged for formatting reasons. For full commitment text, visit http://www.opengovpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2001/01/Canada_AP3.pdf.

Commitment Aim

This commitment focused on supporting private sector utilisation of open data. It also held an ancillary goal of bridging gaps in understanding of how the private sector can extract value from open data. Canada's Open Data Exchange (ODX) serves as the vehicle for this work. The ODX's government-delegated activities include:

•Mapping companies which are using open data to launch new products;

•Launching an online platform to showcase this work;

•Establishing a network of private sector open data users;

•Conducting three demonstration projects on the potential of open data; and

•Serving as incubator for 15 companies.

Status

Midterm: Substantial

The midterm assessment noted that this commitment was on schedule. The government completed the mapping of Canadian companies (15.1) and the online platform to showcase this information (15.2).[Note130: See Kelsey Vere, “OD150—Results of 150+ Canadian Companies for Canada Day,” 4 July 2017, Open Data Exchange, https://codx.ca/od150-results-of-150-canadian-companies-for-canada-day/; and homepage, Open Data 150, http://canada.opendata500.com/.] The Open Data Exchange reported that significant progress had been made on networking private sector open data users together, including through a national tour by ODX.[Note131: See John Chiappetta, “ODX Cross-Canada Trip Report: Atlantic Canada,” 20 April 2017, Open Data Exchange, https://codx.ca/odx-cross-canada-trip-report-atlantic-canada/; John Chiappetta, “ODX Cross-Canada Trip Report: Central Canada,” 15 June 2017, Open Data Exchange, https://codx.ca/odx-cross-canada-trip-report-central-canada/; and John Chiappetta, “ODX Cross-Canada Trip Report: Western Canada,” 29 May 2017, Open Data Exchange, https://codx.ca/odx-cross-canada-trip-report-western-canada/.] The midterm self-assessment reported that significant progress had been made on the demonstration projects (15.4). The assessment also noted that a large number of companies had participated in ODX assistance programmes in various capacities. However, some uncertainly exists regarding the meaning of “incubate” as applied in the action plan and which level of participation counts toward Milestone 15.5.

End of term: Complete

The government completed Milestone 15.1 at the midterm. By the end of the action plan, the number of companies included in the mapping had grown to 161.[Note132: See Open Data Exchange, OD 150: Celebrating the Next 150 Years of Canadian Business, 2017, https://codx.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/OD150_finalinfographic.pdf.] The online platform (15.2) remains online. Under Milestone 15.3, Canada's self-assessment report states the following: “Open Data Exchange [ODX] has developed robust networks of both data providers (government open data providers) and data users as well as intermediaries and enablers to support the creation and evolution of open data supply chains.”[Note133: The self-assessment is available at https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/9da9faf5-deb1-48db-8f16-91055d942d65.] The IRM researcher followed up by email with ODX and was told that '[the] networks are constituted by the individual connections we have made while executing on the ODX business plan. They don't fit neatly into one network. We can provide you with the number of newsletter subscribers, projects, Cross Canada Tour participants, Data Hub session attendees, etc. if you like.'[Note134: Email received from Kevin Tuer, managing director of Canada's Open Data Exchange, on 7 September 2018.] This evidence suggests that the government treated Milestone 15.3 as a continuation of ODX's core programming, in combination with the developments included in the other milestones. In that sense, the milestone has been completed, though it represents less of a step forward than its language may have suggested.

Regarding Milestone 15.4, the ODX provided the IRM researcher with information about its contributions to four projects: Desire2Learn's digitized education standards, the city of Guelph's civic solutions accelerator, and the city of Stratford's Smart Parking project, and the Miovision active traffic management system. This milestone has been completed. Under Milestone 15.5, the self-assessment states that 18 companies have been funded through the Open Data Exchange Ventures programme. Further, 261 companies have engaged using the mentor and concierge services, and the Communitech Data Hub (ODX's home base) houses over 40 companies.[Note135: The self-assessment is available at https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/9da9faf5-deb1-48db-8f16-91055d942d65.] Therefore, the government has completed this milestone. However, the general terms of the reporting, and the lack of clarity on how these processes are interpreted in relation to the “incubation” process, suggest that, like 15.3, this milestone was treated as a continuation of ODX's core programming.

Did It Open Government?

Access to Information: Major

Civic Participation: Marginal

The Open Data Exchange (ODX) was established in 2015 as a partnership among the private, public, and academic sectors. Its stated purpose involved supporting the commercialisation of open data by Canadian companies. Private sector development is an important benefit of open data, and some aspects of ODX participants' programming is very impressive. However, this commitment faces limitations because gains in access to information are mainly restricted to the programme's participants, as opposed to the public at large. Nonetheless, certain projects, such as the demonstrations in Guelph and Stratford, have substantial value. ODX's participants have spoken positively about their involvement.[Note136: Michael Campanelli, interview by IRM researcher, 5 October 2017.]

Additionally, this project has led to marginal changes regarding civic participation. There exists little indication that these programmes have helped to enhance public engagement or to influence government decisions. Indeed, consultations carried out as part of the midterm assessment exposed civil society's unease with the focus on private sector development with no concomitant programme to channel resources to nongovernmental organisations working in this space.

Carried Forward?

Canada's fourth action plan does not include the Open Data Exchange.