Čikom remains committed to the digital transformation of Montenegro! As active participants in the development of the IT ecosystem, we support initiatives that contribute to innovation and open data.
On the open table "Formation of the Open Data Hub - key steps towards more open data in Montenegro", naš CEO Vladan Tabaš, academician Igor Đurović (CANU) and Prof. Dr. Snežana Šćepanović (Fond za inovacije Crne Gore) gathered experts to discuss the future of open data in Montenegro.
🔹 What we concluded and why it is important to establish an Open Data Hub in Montenegro:
We need clear political will, strategic direction and coordination by managing the opening of data.
💡 We must improve the legislative framework - The Law on Free Access to Information in our country does not recognize open data as a separate institute. It is necessary to incorporate into the law the obligation to publish data in a machine-readable format, as well as to comply with the European Directive on open data, especially in the part that refers to the so-called high-value data sets, such as geospatial data, statistics, meteorology, business registers, etc. Also, in the field of open science, it is necessary to enable the opening of data from research projects.
💡 Our open data portal must be technically improved. Portal data.gov.me is an important platform, but currently has a number of limitations: small number of datasets, lack of API, limited formats, infrequent updates. It is necessary to invest in the modernization of the portal, a better data structure, an interface adapted to developers and the reuse of data, and the creation of the so-called metaportal that would connect all relevant registers. The functionalities of the portal must be modern and serve the users. The questionnaire of the European Commission - Open data maturity report can be used as a framework for the required functionalities.
💡 It is necessary to strengthen the capacity of institutions - Open data is not "technology", but a change in the way of working and the way of thinking. Employees in the public administration should be provided with continuous training: explain the benefits of opening data, how to prepare data, how to anonymize it, if necessary, how to document it and make it usable; establish cooperation between the economy and public administration; establish a system of self-evaluation of institutions and measure how ready institutions are to open data (example from Slovenia: https://opjs.aat4.si/). At the level of institutions, consideration should be given to appointing an employee responsible for quality, integrity and data management in the organization. His task would be to ensure that the data is accurate, consistent, accessible and compliant with regulations. This role is crucial in data processing and analysis processes, especially in sectors such as IT, finance, healthcare and public administration.
💡 Privreda mora biti aktivno uključena – ICT zajednica i startapi su ključni korisnici otvorenih podataka. Potrebno je organizovati hakatone, takmičenja i inovacione izazove u saradnji sa firmama, fakultetima i nevladinim organizacijama. Takođe, potrebno je podržati preduzeća koja razvijaju proizvode na bazi otvorenih podataka – kroz grantove, pilot projekte, promociju; uspostaviti saradnju između privrede i javne uprave; uspostaviti sistem samoevaluacije preduzeća, koliko su spremna za ponovnu upotrebu otvorenih podataka.
💡 We must measure, promote and learn from experiences. - Regular reporting on progress, number of datasets, applications and users - all this information tells us how well the system works. Also, it is important to promote good examples to raise awareness and motivate others to get involved.
Montenegro should actively participate in European networks and initiatives, such as the European Data Portal, Open Data Maturity Report, Open Data Day and others.
In conclusion, open data is not just a technical process – it is a transformation of management culture. In order for the ecosystem of open data in Montenegro to come to life, the joint action of the state administration, business community, academia and civil society is necessary. It is necessary to establish a body, which will meet at least once every 2-3 months and monitor the implementation of the strategy and action plan for improving the opening of data in Montenegro, improving the data economy and building the data ecosystem of Montenegro. And the vision is for Montenegro to return to where it was before. To be the leader of the region.
🔗 Read more details and conclusions from the meeting here: CANU objava
Chicom continues to support projects that contribute to transparency, innovation and development of the digital society! 🚀
