Mobilising open data

This chapter addresses the dynamics of the ways in which open data is being mobilised in society. The previous chapters noted how the position of scientific knowledge in wider social and economic life has changed in late modernity, and explained that data and open data are being discussed by governments and civil society organisations in ways that focus on the possible social benefits of open data. These two areas – the changing role of knowledge in society and the possible benefits of open data – should be viewed in relation to each other, because the aspirations for open data are often couched in terms of the role that knowledge plays in society. Furthermore, the possibility of open data, combined with changing senses of the position of knowledge, are utilised within various visions of a future, more knowledgeable society. Within these discussions, there is recognition of the potential benefits to society as well as an acknowledgement of what needs to be done to ensure that open data is produced and used in responsible ways. An overarching theme in these discourses is that of ‘open’ – both in terms of open data and open society.