Welcome to the Open Data Watch (ODW) website. ODW is a new, non-profit company founded by three development data specialists. We come from different countries and backgrounds, but we share a passion for good statistics and a commitment to promoting open data across the world.
Our work program
At the heart of ODW’s work are three interrelated activities: monitoring the degree to which countries and agencies implement open data policies; building knowledge and forming partnerships to support open data; and providing guidance and strategic advice to developing countries and their partners in building open statistical systems.
Our experience
We have years of experience in development statistics, statistical capacity building in developing countries, and data management and dissemination. Our technical expertise combined with practical experience allows us work in a wide range of development data domains from macroeconomic to gender and social statistics and address all the stages of data cycle from production to analysis to dissemination.
Questions that stimulate us:
- How to better measure the openness of statistical systems, incorporating important dimensions such as quality, policy relevance, and impact on development outcomes?
- How to reinvigorate statistical systems in developing countries with openness as a goal from the start and not an afterthought?
- How to make open data part of the development data revolution?
- How to make knowledge about open data and capacity building in countries available to all stakeholders?
- How to encourage governments and donors to commit and spend resources for the development of statistics?
Our audience
There is a diverse, global audience: some want to monitor the progress of the open data movement, some are looking for openly accessible development data, and some want to dig in deeper into why countries succeed or fail to improve data quality, openness, and accessibility.
Our partners
We work through informal partnerships. We are grateful for the support and guidance of many organizations committed to improving development outcomes. As our work advances we will look for joint work and strategic partnerships with individuals and organizations who share our goals.
Sharing openly
In keeping with our principles, we will provide open access to our data, tools, and analysis through our website and other modes. We will use this blog to sound out new ideas. And we will host seminars and participate in external events where we can share knowledge. Keep your eye on our events calendar and news postings for items of interest.
Working together
Help us deepen understanding and develop useful tools for open data for development statistics. Give us feedback on what is useful and what is less useful. Point us to sources we should use and partners we can follow. Connect us with important events to include in our calendar.
We are excited about the challenges ahead and committed to making a difference!
