The report announced below is focused on improving the understanding
of
different access and reuse policies for public sector information on
digital networks
--including publicly produced scientific information.
Paul Uhlir
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dear Colleague,
While governments throughout the world have different approaches to
how
they make their public sector information (PSI) available and the
terms
under which the information may be reused, there appears to be a
broad
recognition of the importance of digital networks and PSI to the
economy
and to society. However, despite the huge investments in PSI and the
even larger estimated effects, surprisingly little is known about the
costs and benefits of different information policies on the
information
society and the knowledge economy.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current
assessment
methods and their underlying criteria, it should be possible to
improve
and apply such tools to help rationalize the policies and to clarify
the
role of the internet in disseminating PSI. This in turn can help
promote
the efficiency and effectiveness of PSI investments and management,
and
to improve their downstream economic and social results.
The workshop that is summarized in this volume, organized by the U.S.
National Committee for CODATA and the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development, was intended to review the state of the
art in assessment methods and to improve the understanding of what is
known and what needs to be known about the effects of PSI activities.
The report, The Socioeconomic Effects of Public Sector Information on
Digital Networks, is available freely online at:
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12687
Questions or comments about this volume may be sent to me at the
contact
information below.
Paul Uhlir
Paul F. Uhlir, J.D.
Director, NRC Board on Research Data and Information, and
IAP Program on Digital Knowledge Resources and Infrastructure
in Developing Countries
The National Academies, Keck-511
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
USA
Tel. + 1 202 334 1531
Fax + 1 202 334 2231
Email: puhlir_at_nas.edu
Web:
http://www.national-academies.org/brdi
Web:
http://www.interacademies.net/CMS/Prog
Received on Sat Jul 04 2009 - 14:33:33 BST