High-value datasets (HVDs) are datasets held by governments that are deemed particularly valuable for societal and economic benefit. Open access to these datasets can support innovative solutions from businesses, civil society and the public sector, including AI systems, while improving efficiency in using public resources. It also fosters an open and inclusive information ecosystem, enabling access to reliable data and facts to inform critical issues such as climate change, healthcare and education. The HVDs in this analysis refer to 82 datasets in 10 high-value categories defined by the OECD to enable meaningful international comparison of open data implementation. The non exhaustive list is based on the original G8 Open Data Charter and informed by recent international developments, such the EU Open Data Directive.
Currently, 47% of HVDs are available as open data across OECD countries. Of the ten categories assessed, the most widely provided datasets are in the geospatial information and statistics category (67%), followed by earth observation and environmental data, and mobility data (56% each). In contrast, fewer datasets are available in the meteorology (46%), health and social welfare (42%), crime and justice (39%), and education (37%) categories. The categories of HVD least likely to be available as open data are companies and company ownership (31%) and government finances and accountability (27%). These would include datasets on company registers, beneficial ownership, election results and public procurement. In terms of accessibility, most open access HVD are offered in open formats (88%) and are up to date (79%). Additionally, 66% of these datasets are accessible via central open government data portals. However, less than half are accompanied by high-quality metadata or provided through standard application programming interfaces (APIs) (Figure 7.10).
Among individual countries, only 6 of the 36 OECD countries (17%) have made at least 70% of their HVDs available: France (82%), Korea (81%), Finland (76%), Denmark (74%), Spain (72%) and Colombia (70%). Most surveyed OECD countries (20 out of 36, or 56%) provide less than half of their HVDs, and 7 out of 36 (19%) provide less than 30%. There is, however, significant variation within countries depending on the dataset category. For example, Finland provides 100% of education and mobility HVDs, but only 31% of government finance and accountability ones, only just above the OECD average. These discrepancies point to opportunities for targeted reforms to address weaknesses while leveraging existing strengths (Figure 7.11).
OECD countries generally perform better on accessibility. In 22 out of 36 countries (61%), more than half of openly available HVDs meet all five of the accessibility factors assessed. Top performers include the Netherlands (77% of open HVDs), Canada (73%) and Norway (73%). Notably, Costa Rica, Chile and Mexico exhibit the widest variation in accessibility across HVD categories. For example, while Mexico provides nearly 80% of HVD in open formats and through a central portal, less than 15% are accompanied by good metadata quality or made available via APIs. These results highlight the need for consistent efforts to improve accessibility across all HVD dimensions (Figure 7.12).
