Like its predecessors, the 20th Open Data Network Meeting was a resounding success. Nearly 50 participants gathered at event – organized by the Bertelsmann Stiftung and featuring a total of eight sessions held in three rounds – to discuss current trends and developments in the open data scene.
Jonathan Niesel from Greenpeace reported on the environmental organization’s experiences with its recently launched open data portal. Developed using CKAN software, the portal provides various datasets on topics such as biodiversity, agriculture and mobility. Hendrik Jütte from the Bertelsmann Stiftung demonstrated to the participants the main features of the Wegweiser Kommune (Community Roadmap), the Bertelsmann Stiftung’s data portal for comparing living conditions in Germany’s municipalities.
Isabell von Falkenhausen from the Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems presented a new study that identified common areas of responsibility for open data managers and coordinators across an international spectrum of organizations. The study shows that, especially when government agencies are in the early stages of implementing open data, consolidating responsibilities within a single position can be valuable for overcoming institutional barriers. A follow-up survey on the topic is available. Other sessions covered subjects such as public data DNA, new tools for geodata and Schleswig-Holstein’s new open data repository.
The overall feedback after the event was consistently positive: Even though the “mini” version of our barcamp doesn’t allow for in-depth discussions, it does offer an easily accessible way to explore current topics related to open data.
The next Open Data Network Meeting will again take place as a mini-barcamp on February 4, 2026from 10:00 to 11:30 am. To register click here.
