Open Data as Backbone of Digital Public Infrastructure: Prioritising HIGH-VALUE Datasets for Effective Governance

Open government data (OGD) plays a vital role in engendering trust, accountability, and inclusive socio-economic growth via services delivered through digital public infrastructure (DPI). Studies suggest that publishing granular and timely open data by governments increases transparency and evidence- based policies, improves efficiency and public service delivery, enhances economic growth, and empowers innovation. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the urgent need for governments to publish near real- time open data to help combat the crisis. Though the ease of building and deploying DPI has improved, most OGD initiatives still struggle to sustain and grow. Based on empirical evidence and recent progressive legislations, this brief proposes a shared G20 OGD commitment for DPIs that will help countries prioritise economic growth, climate action, and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.