“Open data”, which for a public administration means putting data in its possession in a standardised format, could generate more than 180 million euros and create 1,500 jobs in the Brussels region. This is according to calculations by Agoria, the industrial technology federation. According to Agoria, open data is part of the “smart city” concept. “Open data is the raw material for the success of start-ups and technological companies that already exist. In Brussels, open data provides considerable economic potential for new applications linked to mobility, tourism, financial services, geo-TIC, surveillance and construction. But it can also provide advantages for public administration”, says an Agoria press release. It called on Brussels to follow the lead of pioneering cities in this department, which include Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Dublin.
Agoria also wants the Brussels region to make public data available, and put it on a specific internet portal. A “Brussels Smart City Summit”, organised by the Brussels region IT Centre, will take place on Wednesday. Open data will be discussed.
(Source: Belga)
