Open Testbed for Energy- and Environmental Data
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Umeå kommun - IT TELEFONI |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | August 2013 - December 2013 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
Creating an open testbed for energy and environmental technologies based on open data appears to have an potential. However, there are two problems. Open data is not included in the explicit or implicit process of innovation in enterprises. More marketing/information/training on Open Data is needed. it is too difficult for potential users to use open data in their innovation processes. There is no barrier lowering services/products between those who publish the data and the potential users. A broker between those who publish open data and the potential users is needed.
Results and expected effects
The feasibility study has already generated initiatives to tackle the deficiencies noted in the preliminary study. When it comes to improving knowledge about data among the potential re-users, information activities in collaboration with the Open Data Institute (ODI) are planned for 2014. An application for funds from Bloomberg Philantropies to start the creation of the layer between those who publish the data (the municipality, utility companies, etc.) and those who would benefit from re-using this data.
Approach and implementation
The work was done in a number of workshops. The workshop-format worked well. Businesses, universities, producers of electricity and municipalities were represented at the workshops. More companies/more types of businesses participating in the workshops would have been desirable. The lack of knowledge about open data and its capabilities make it difficult to get companies to prioritize participation in open data projects.