Open Data Institute

The Open Data Institute (ODI) is an independent, non-profit organisation founded in 2012 by Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Sir Nigel Shadbolt, with a mission to work with companies and governments to build an open, trustworthy data ecosystem. Headquartered in London, the ODI has become a globally recognised authority on data governance, open data standards, and the responsible use of data in public services and urban management. The institute's work is deeply relevant to smart cities, as it develops frameworks, tools, and training that help city authorities publish, share, and use data effectively while maintaining public trust and privacy. The ODI's research into data trusts, data institutions, and collaborative data sharing models has been particularly influential in shaping how cities approach the governance of urban data. Through its global network of startups, nodes, and members, the ODI has helped organisations in over 40 countries improve their data practices, and its open data training programmes have equipped thousands of professionals with the skills to use data for urban innovation.