The Periodic Table of Open Data

Abstract

In conjunction with the release of The Periodic Table of Open Data Elements: A User’s Guide, the Open Data Policy Lab (a collaboration between The GovLab and Microsoft) is pleased to present a completely reworked version of our Periodic Table of Open Data Elements, first launched alongside in 2016. Like its previous iterations, this version of the Periodic Table categorizes the elements that matter in open data initiatives into five categories: Problem and Demand Definition; Capacity and Culture; Governance and Standards; Personnel and Partnerships; and Risk Mitigation.

This latest version expands on what these categories entail and the various elements encompassing them. It provides this by providing links to current research, examples from the field, and expert input. It is intended to serve as a supplement to the User’s Guide. We invite practitioners to use this document to promote the success of their open data initiatives or otherwise mitigate risks.

Keywords: open data, data governance, data collaboration, data stewardship