Open government data site

The Digital Engagement team are inviting developers to show government how to get the (forthcoming) UK government data site right. For now you need to apply to preview and contribute ideas via a Google Group.

With over 1000 existing data sets, from 7 departments (brought together in re-useable form for the first time) and community resources, we want developers to work with us to use the data to create great applications; give us feedback on the early operational community; and tell us how to develop what we have into a single point of access for government-held public data.

Down Under data.australia.gov.au has just launched.

US Data.gov launched in May. Its goal is nicely put:

A primary goal of Data.gov is to improve access to Federal data and expand creative use of those data beyond the walls of government by encouraging innovative ideas (e.g., web applications). Data.gov strives to make government more transparent and is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government. The openness derived from Data.gov will strengthen our Nation’s democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government.

Digital Engagement Report

Gov 2.0 is now officially “Digital Engagement”. Guided by Minister Tom Watson, the Digital Engagement team at the Cabinet Office is now headed by Director Andrew Stott who is charged with taking forward the Power of Information agenda.

The Digital Engament team will “work across Government departments to encourage, support and challenge them in moving from communicating to citizens on the web to conversing and collaborating with them through digital technology.”

Its debut is the Government response to the Power of Information Task Force Report – available via the new Digital Engagement blog. The POI principles are substantailly accepted by government: they are “no longer just recommendations in a report but will be core to the future development and implementation of government policy.”