GovLoop recently reported the results of the Open Data Challenge 2011 and commented on the importance of such events. According to the article, “The Open Data Challenge 2011 was the largest ever open data competition in Europe, in which there was a large cash prize. Over 430 participants from 24 EU Member States attempting to create the most interactive and influential apps using public sector information to reinvent the way we govern and live in our community. The organisers behind this successful initiative, the Open Knowledge Foundation, wish to provide insight into mashed open data combined with creative ideas to make data relevant, aid people’s journey through the jungle of online data and offer services that could become a part of every day life.”

It continues, “This chance is enhanced through the fact that it is the public themselves, with their own citizen knowledge, creating services for the Open Data Challenge. Competitions such as these can expand horizons, stretch the imagination and reveal what can be achieved through open data utilisation. It will also shine some light on ways in which the open source community can tackle huge issues faced by many countries and cities, and encourage various sectors or governments to free their open data once they see just how powerful or influential these apps capabilities can be. It makes governments transparent, efficient, and creates social and economic value; however, at European level this competition shows how open data can truly transform.”

Read more here.

Image: Courtesy Open Data Challenge