DataTerminology.comNEW
Also known as: Directive (EU) 2019/1024, Re-use of Public Sector Information Directive (recast)
EU directive setting rules for the re-use of public sector information and opening high-value datasets for innovation and transparency.
DESCRIPTION
The Open Data Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/1024) governs the re-use of public sector information across the EU. It mandates open access to high-value datasets, promotes machine-readable formats, and encourages APIs. The directive aims to stimulate innovation, competition, and transparency through data re-use. It recasts and replaces the PSI Directive to reflect modern data practices. Licensing should be open, non-discriminatory, and cost-recovery limited. Public undertakings in certain sectors and research data under specific conditions are also in scope. Implementation aligns with open standards like DCAT-AP for metadata interoperability.
ALTERNATIVE DEFINITIONS
European Commission
The Open Data Directive sets out rules to make public sector and publicly funded data re-usable and aims to stimulate innovation and economic growth.
Emphasizes economic growth and re-use of publicly funded data.
EUR-Lex
Directive (EU) 2019/1024 on open data and the re-use of public sector information.
Formal legal title defining scope on open data and PSI re-use.
RELATED TERMS
EU Open Data Portal High-Value Datasets Application Profile Data Governance Act INSPIRE Directive Open License API
COMPETING TERMS
Trade Secrets Directive General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
RELATIONS
- Implemented by: EU Open Data Portal
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
Data Management Data Governance Data Services Data Products Metadata Management
TARGET AUDIENCE
Data Steward Chief Data Officer Data Architect Data Analyst BI Specialist Data Management Consultant
EXTERNAL SOURCES
- Wikipedia - Open Data Directive
- data.europa.eu - Portal explainer and guidance
- European Commission - DCAT-AP metadata standard
- EUR-Lex - Official directive text
TOP QUESTIONS
What does the Open Data Directive require from public bodies?
They must make public sector information available for re-use in machine-readable formats, usually with open licenses, and ensure non-discriminatory conditions and transparency in charging.
Category: Requirements
What are high-value datasets under the Open Data Directive?
They are data categories with high societal or economic benefits, mandated to be available free of charge and via APIs, such as geospatial, earth observation, and statistical data.
Category: Definition
How does the Open Data Directive differ from the PSI Directive?
It recasts PSI rules, expands scope to include some public undertakings and research data, and strengthens provisions on APIs and high-value datasets.
Category: Comparison
How should metadata be published under the Open Data Directive?
Using interoperable standards like DCAT-AP to describe datasets and distributions, enabling discovery and reuse across portals such as data.europa.eu.
Category: Best practices
Does the Open Data Directive override privacy or IP rights?
No. It operates without prejudice to GDPR, copyright, and trade secrets. Public bodies must assess these constraints before releasing data.
Category: Compliance
Why is the Open Data Directive important for businesses?
Open, machine-readable datasets reduce barriers to entry, foster data-driven services, and enable innovation in domains like mobility, climate, and finance.
Category: Value
What licensing is recommended under the Open Data Directive?
Open licenses such as Creative Commons (e.g., CC BY) are encouraged, with minimal restrictions to maximize reuse.
Category: Licensing
Are APIs mandatory in the Open Data Directive?
For high-value datasets, access via APIs is mandated, promoting timely, automated reuse and reducing manual downloads.
Category: Technology
How can organizations prepare to comply with the Open Data Directive?
Inventory datasets, assess legal constraints, standardize metadata with DCAT-AP, adopt open licenses, and implement stable APIs for prioritized high-value datasets.
Category: Implementation