ODC Organized Mekong Region’s Open Data Workshop

From July 18 to 20, ODC successfully organized a regional workshop on collaborative open data opportunities in the Mekong Region. The workshop aimed to stimulate discussion on open data approaches, build relationships around the region, and identify possible ways forward together. In attendance were representatives of a number of NGOs operating in countries across the Mekong region, namely, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and China. Key highlights from the first day of the workshop included a presentation on open data philosophy by ODC project manager Terry Parnell, presentations on open data movement by participants from each country, and a panel discussion on different approaches to conducting research. The second day of the workshop began with a series of presentations on open data approach, using ODC as a case study, by the ODC team. Members of the ODC team then facilitated small-group discussions on specific considerations for developing open data websites in the Mekong region. In the afternoon, the workshop continued with an open discussion on legal climate for open data sites around the region. ODC Consulting Editor Zachery Lampell moderated the discussion. This was then followed by a presentation on organizational issues for open data sharing delivered by Project Manager Terry Parnell, and a presentation on partnerships maximizing by Research and Volunteer Coordinator Chan Penhleak. The key focus of the final day of the workshop was on challenges and opportunities for growing open data in the region. Facilitated by Terry Parnell, the discussion specifically touched on collaborative approaches to regional collaborations.