Premier Mao Chi-kuo today highlighted the importance of advancing open data development, saying that 2015 will be the launch year for Taiwan to deepen its applications of open data and accelerate the opening of government information.
Open data has become a bellwether for a country's development, because it reflects not only governmental transparency but also the nation's advancement in information and communications technology infrastructure and industries, Mao said. In addition, open data is vital to fostering new-generation Internet and information services. For instance, financial open data can lead to innovative applications for new business opportunities.
The premier's remarks were made at today's Cabinet meeting after a report by the Executive Yuan's Office of Science and Technology on the evaluation of and outlook for the government's effort to promote open data.
Taiwan's world ranking in the Open Knowledge Foundation's Global Open Data Index jumped from No. 36 in 2013 to No. 11 in 2014, peerless in Asia. However, the Executive Yuan must work further to actively promote open data, big data and crowdsourcing over the next half-year in order to strengthen communication with the public as well as improve governance, Mao said.
It is crucial for the government to further collaborate with the public as well as industries in order to make the best use of private-sector ideas and resources, the premier stressed. He cited an open data center to be launched soon after being built by the private sector, underscoring such collaborative work can expedite the development of the data service industry. Premier Mao asked Vice Premier Chang San-cheng and related ministries to continue their efforts and present concrete results of public- and private-sector collaboration in this field.
A comprehensive policy structure and legal environment are critical factors in promoting open data, the premier pointed out. For instance, a balance between personal privacy and open data must be found. He asked various ministries and agencies to incorporate open-data application strategies into a new Taiwan online intelligence policy white paper that is currently being drafted.
The premier asked Minister without Portfolio Tsai Yu-ling to oversee and coordinate the National Development Council and related ministries and agencies to carry out full examination and relevant adjustments of the legal system.
In principle, all data will be made publicly accessible free of charge. Exceptions should only be based on related policy judgments and criteria that are yet to be defined, Mao said.
Local governments that have already implemented open data can go a step further to make it more comprehensive, said the premier. Those that have not started yet must formulate promotional strategies as quickly as possible so that Taiwan can become a model for open data in the international community.