Commercial Exploitation Of Public Sector Information - Obstacles And Opportunities

Abstract: This report highlights the importance of a well functioning information society, and the benefits derived thereof. The emphasis is put on commercial exploitation by private parties of public sector information. A comparison between the US and European markets of private companies exploiting PSI commercially shows significant differences in how opportunities are being actualized. The work provides descriptions of the current legal and market environments in the US and selected European countries, ongoing initiatives by authorities to enhance society and by private companies to prosper with business ventures, concluding with a subjective discussion on the topic. The comprehensive task of conducting a study on the topic of information presents the challenges individuals as well as organizations are faced with in their quest to access and use information from government sources. Entrepreneurs with a vision of how to use PSI to create value-added products in Europe are exposed to a myriad of rules and regulations, in addition to more traditional administrative and technological obstacles. Even the most entrepreneurial spirits or innovative ideas could end up being demolished by the confusion and frustration derived from the many obstacles to pursue business ventures in the information industries. This has created a situation where US companies in information industries are presented with endless opportunities to develop their ideas into business ventures, while European entrepreneurs are exposed to numerous deterrents for entering the industry, particularly in conducting international trade. The situation is however slowly but surely improving, as the integration of the EU is progressing.