March’25 Fireside Chat

Event Summary

On 26 March 2025, we hosted the fifth session of our monthly Fireside Chat series, featuring Dr Anastasija Nikiforova from University of Tartu and Natalia Carfi, Executive Director of the Open Data Charter. The session was chaired by Professor Stefaan Verhulst, Co-founder of the GovLab at New York University and The Data Tank, Director of Data for Policy CIC, and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Data & Policy journal.

The discussion explored the evolution of open data over the past 15 years, highlighting significant milestones in transparency, accessibility, and governance. Speakers examined emerging challenges, including data silos, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and the growing complexity of managing alternative data formats such as audio, video, and 3D data. The conversation also addressed the potential of synthetic data to enhance privacy protection, its limitations, and its role in complementing open data initiatives. Additionally, the role of governments in fostering effective digital public infrastructure (DPI) was a key focus, with insights into regulatory frameworks, business models, and public-private collaborations that can sustain open data ecosystems.

Discussion Highlights

  • Reflections on 15 Years of Open Data Progress: The conversation opened with reflections on the biggest lessons learned over the past 15 years in open data policy and governance. Speakers highlighted significant achievements in data accessibility, transparency, and interoperability while also pointing out persistent challenges such as data silos, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and the need for greater inclusivity in data-driven policymaking. They underscored the growing recognition of open data as a public good and emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration to ensure long-term sustainability.

  • Expanding the Definition of Open Data: The discussion then shifted to the evolving nature of open data, questioning whether its definition should go beyond structured tabular data to include alternative formats such as audio, video, and 3D data. Panellists noted that expanding the scope of open data could enhance its usability across different domains, including urban planning, environmental monitoring, and accessibility for people with disabilities. However, they also acknowledged the technical and ethical challenges associated with managing and standardising these diverse data formats.

  • The Future of Open Data: A Vision for 2035: The session explored the future of open data, with a vision for 2035 that includes stronger governance frameworks, better integration of synthetic data, and enhanced public-private collaborations. Dr Nikiforova debated whether synthetic data could replace open data, considering its advantages in privacy protection and secure data-sharing. While synthetic data offers a way to overcome privacy concerns, concerns about its reliability and potential biases were raised. There was a consensus that synthetic data should complement rather than replace open data and that transparency in its creation and use is crucial for maintaining trust.

  • Business Models for Open Data and Private Sector Participation: Business models for open data were another key topic, as our speakers explored sustainable ways to incentivise private sector participation. Open data initiatives require financial and structural support, and successful models often involve public-private partnerships. The discussion highlighted innovative funding strategies and policy incentives that encourage companies to contribute to the open data ecosystem. Examples from various governments demonstrated how regulatory frameworks and incentives can lead to more active participation from businesses, fostering a robust and scalable data-sharing environment.

  • The Role of Governments in Advancing Open Data and Digital Public Infrastructure: Another central theme was the role of governments in advancing open data and digital public infrastructure. The speakers emphasised the importance of government-led initiatives that set the foundation for reliable data-sharing practices. Several successful case studies were shared, showcasing how proactive policies have enabled greater access to public data while maintaining necessary safeguards. Governments play a crucial role in setting standards, ensuring interoperability, and fostering trust among stakeholders. These examples highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration and regulatory support to strengthen open data efforts.

  • Regulating Synthetic Data: Innovation vs. Ethical Oversight: The discussion also delved into the regulation of synthetic data, focusing on the balance between innovation and ethical oversight. As synthetic data becomes more prevalent in AI training and data-driven policymaking, panellists stressed the need for well-defined governance structures to mitigate risks related to misuse or unintended consequences. Ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks must be developed to prevent synthetic data from being used in misleading ways while ensuring it serves as a valuable tool for data accessibility and innovation.

  • Aligning Digital Public Infrastructure with End-User Needs: Lastly, the conversation addressed how digital public infrastructure can be better aligned with the real needs of users. Our speakers emphasised the importance of designing DPI with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, ensuring that data-driven solutions cater to diverse populations. Lessons learned from various initiatives demonstrated that user-centred design and community engagement are key factors in making DPI effective. Panellists discussed strategies for improving the connection between policymakers, technologists, and end users to create digital infrastructures that address pressing societal needs while maintaining ethical integrity.

We look forward to the next session in our Fireside Chat series, where we will continue to explore critical issues shaping the future of data governance and policy.

About Speakers

Natalia Carfi has been the Executive Director of the Open Data Charter since 2021, after first working as our Deputy Director since 2018. Natalia is the former Open Government Director for the Undersecretary of Public Innovation and Open Government of Argentina where she led the work with the Open Government Partnership and the Argentinian provinces. She was the Open Government coordinator for the Digital Division of the Government of Chile (2014-2015) and for the City of Buenos Aires (2015). She is part of the Open Data Leaders Network and the Academic Committee of the International Open Data Conference. Since October 2022, she has been a part of the Open Government Partnership Steering Committee. She was appointed as a Board Member for the UNCAC Coalition in 2024. She currently teaches Digital Government and Access to Information at Di Tella University.

Anastasija Nikiforova is an assistant professor of Information Systems at University of Tartu (Institute of Computer Science). Her research focuses on data governance and the role of emerging technologies in shaping (public) data ecosystems, exploring the intersection of technology, society, and policy, addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by AI and other technologies to improve their resilience, sustainability and inclusivity. She serves as a program and organizing committee for several IS and public administration conferences, and Editorial Board member for several journals (incl. International Journal of Information Management (IJIM), Government Information Quarterly, eJournal of eDemocracy and Open Government (JeDEM)). She is part of European Open Science Cloud “FAIR metrics and Digital Objects” TF, part of Digital Government Society Committee, including Digital Government Society Chapter on Governing Smart Sustainable Cities (DGS GSSC), Women in AI, as well as an associate member of the Latvian Open Technology Association and member of International Federation for Information Processing Working Group 8.5 (IFIP WG8.5 on ICT and Public Administration).