Mathias Van Compernolle

Quantifying the Interoperability of Open Government Datasets

A proposed technique quantifies the semantic interoperability of open government datasets with three metrics calculated using a set of statements that indicate for each pair of identifiers in the system whether or not they represent the same concept.

A visual workflow to explore the web of data for scholars

As the Web evolves in an integrated and interlinked knowledge space thanks to the growing amount of published Linked Open Data, the need to find solutions that enable the scholars to discover, explore and analyse the underlying research data emerges. Scholars, typically non-expert technology users, lack of in-depth understanding of the underlying semantic technology which limits their ability to interpret and query the data. We present a visual workflow to connect scholars and scientific resources on the Web of Data. We allow scholars to move from exploratory analysis in academic social networks to exposing relations between these resources. We allow them to reveal experts in a particular field and discover relations in and beyond their research communities. This paper aims to evaluate the potential of such a visual workflow to be used by non-expert users to interact with the semantically enriched data and familiarize with the underlying dataset.

State-of-the-Art Assessment on the Implementations of International Core Data Models for Public Administrations

Public administrations are often still organised in vertical, closed silos. The lack of common data standards (common data models and reference data) for exchanging information between administrations in a cross-domain and/or cross-border setting stands in the way of digital public services and automated flow of information between public administrations. Core data models address this issue, but are often created within the closed environment of a country or region and within one policy domain. A lack of insight exists in understanding and managing the life-cycle of these initiatives on public administration information systems for data modelling and data exchange. In this paper, we outline state-of-the-art implementations and vocabularies linked to the core data models. In particular we inventoried and selected existing core data models and identified tendencies in current practices based on the criteria creation, use, maintenance and coordination. Based on the analysis, this survey suggest research directions for policy and information management studies pointing to best practices regarding core data model implementations and their role in linking isolated data silos within a cross-country context. Finally we highlight the differences in their coordination and maintenance, depending on the state of creation and use.

źOpen Government Dataź - based Business Models

This paper explores the business potential of open government data in the domain of mobility. Open data is often touted as the go-to policy for government to pursue, but the actual returns of following such a strategy remain somewhat illusive and anecdotic. Based on a research project subsidised by the Flemish Department of Mobility and Public Works, this paper presents the results of a market consultation with diverse stakeholders. The goal is to better understand the attitudes, bottlenecks, expectations and requirements related to open data of market stakeholders, so that the government can devise strategies that support sustainable open data initiatives and its policy goals at the same time. The paper offers a framework towards analysing this. It concludes that structural and iterative dialogue is desirable, both from the perspective of the market and government, but that this perhaps obvious key component is often overlooked.This paper explores the business potential of open government data in the domain of mobility. Open data is often touted as the go-to policy for government to pursue, but the actual returns of following such a strategy remain somewhat illusive and anecdotic. Based on a research project subsidised by the Flemish Department of Mobility and Public Works, this paper presents the results of a market consultation with diverse stakeholders. The goal is to better understand the attitudes, bottlenecks, expectations and requirements related to open data of market stakeholders, so that the government can devise strategies that support sustainable open data initiatives and its policy goals at the same time. The paper offers a framework towards analysing this. It concludes that structural and iterative dialogue is desirable, both from the perspective of the market and government, but that this perhaps obvious key component is often overlooked.

Semantics in the wild: a digital assistant for Flemish citizens

Public service fragmentation across more than 800 digital channels of government administrations in the region of Flanders (Belgium), causes administrative burden and frustrations, as citizens expect a coherent service. Given the autonomy of the various entities, the fragmentation of information and budget constraints, it is not feasible to rewire the entire e-gov ecosystem to a single portal. Therefore, the Flemish Government is building a smart digital assistant, which supports citizens on the governmental portals, by integrating status information of various transactions. This paper outlines our ongoing research on a method for raising semantic interoperability between different information systems and actors. In this approach, semantic agreements are maintained and implemented end-to-end using the design principles of Linked Data. The lessons learned can speed-up the process in other countries that face the complexity of integrating e-government portals.