Open Data with Mor Rubinstein

Season: 2 Episode: 4 [download this episode (MP3, 26.1MB)]

Mor is a self-described data geek, she chats with Elizabeth about what open data actually is, how it can be used, and why it isn't always the perfect fix (but still helpful) for increasing government transparency and accountability. Hear about examples from government and philanthropy in Canada, Israel, and the UK.

Additional Resources

• Two useful websites for defining open data are: open.canada.ca and opendefinition.org.

• In the episode, Mor mentions a McKinsey report that discusses the potential economic value of open data.

• The episode also includes lots of examples of open data and its users. Check out:

  1. GTFS (that thing that helps you catch your buses!)

  2. City of Ottawa’s open portal

  3. 360Giving, an organization that uses open data to improve charitable giving.

  4. IATI, International Aid Transparency Initiative and their standard

• Mor also mentions an episode of another podcast called Wind of Change which used freedom of information requests to learn about the CIA's possible role in writing the song Wind of Change. Note, in the episode Mor says FBI but she meant CIA.

• Last but not least, if you're interested in Digital Government don’t forget to check out Wonks and War Rooms Season 2, Episode 3.