Policy specialists
Open standards for data are reusable agreements that make it easier for people and organisations to publish, access, share and use better quality data.
This page provides starting points for policy specialists looking to understand more about open standards for data
Getting started
What are open standards for data?
Standards are documented, reusable agreements that affect us every day. Open standards for data make it easier for people and organisations to publish, access, share and use better quality data.
When to use open standards for data
Open standards for data are useful for interaction, aggregation, comparison and linking. Where possible, consider using an existing open standard rather than developing a new one.
When not to create new standards
Creating open standards can be resource and time-intensive, so it’s worth first considering whether using an existing open standard is the right solution.
How open standards are developed
Open standards combine elements of technical activity, stakeholder coordination and community engagement. Open standards can be built on or extend existing open standards.
Creating impact
Explore the impact and benefits of open standards
Policy impacts of open standards
Open standards for data can support the implementation of policy and embody policy when they are developed and/or adopted.
Economic impacts of open standards
Open standards can create new commercial opportunities and provide competitive advantage to organisations that adopt them.
Technology impacts of open standards
Open standards for data have impacts on technology including producing better quality data and encouraging the development of new tools and services.
Case Studies
Our standards case studies provide a summary of the history, development process, governance and key actors involved in the development of an open standard for data
Further reading
Learn more about standards creation and the experiences of the standards community
How open standards are developed
Open standards combine elements of technical activity, stakeholder coordination and community engagement. Open standards can be built on or extend existing open standards.
Lessons learned in open standards development
There are thousands of standards under development, in use, or retired worldwide. Here, we condense some of the important lessons emerging from the people and organisations using, sharing and developing open standards for data.
How to find open standards
This guide helps you uncover new ways to find existing open standards.
The Standards Community
Learn more from the wider community of organisations developing and supporting open standards