Open Data strategies in particular are seen as playing a crucial role in
supporting innovation and growth, greater transparency in public administrations, and social
and political engagement.
The G8 Open Data Charter adopted at the 2013 Summit
indicates the widespread
political commitment behind Open Data, which is paralleled by a strong commitment
towards opening up research data and findings.
Open Access to Scientific Knowledge is one of the key pillars of the Open Data strategy of the European Union15 to foster scientific research and the dissemination of knowledge across the scientific community, but also towards SMEs that do not have the resources to invest directly in research or even to access the innovation potential created by new scientific discoveries.