On July 25, 2017, the Executive Office of the President Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will host a Roundtable on Open Data as a driver for economic growth. Here’s why we’re focusing on this opportunity—and how you can help us.

Open data is free, publicly available data that anyone can access and use without restrictions. U.S. Federal Open Data is a strategic national resource. American businesses depend on this government data to optimize their operations, improve their marketing, and develop new products and services. Federal Open Data also helps guide business investment, foster innovation, improve employment opportunities, and spur economic growth.

The value of Federal Open Data to the United States has been estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars. The U.S. Department of Commerce calculates that internet publishing, consulting and market research firms use this data to generate more than $200 billion in revenues each year. Other studies have found that U.S. weather, GPS, Census, and health data support billions more in revenue in other sectors.

How do companies use government data to build their business?

	Finance companies use a wide variety of data types to evaluate credit, guide investments, and quantify risks, including the risks of lending to individuals or businesses.
	Healthcare companies tailor Precision Medicine treatments to individual needs, while others empower patients to find the best care at the best price by using data on hospitals, medical groups, medicines, and patient outcomes.
	Consumer retailers use GPS and weather data to improve shipping along supply chains. They also use Census data to target their marketing, choose new business locations, and identify consumer trends.
	Transportation and trade companies use Federal data to make transportation more efficient, improve safety, and facilitate trade.
	Geospatial companies use open data to build mobile applications, GPS navigation tools, and real-time mapping platforms – all to find population growth trends, reduce road congestion, track flu outbreaks, and improve disaster response.

The Roundtable on Open Data for Economic Growth will emphasize how companies create value from and leverage freely available government data. Leaders in government and industry will explore the economic and societal benefits of Open Data for American businesses and entrepreneurs.

This Roundtable methodology may be applied to other topics, for example, how Federal Open Data improves:

• Return on investment for taxpayer dollars, and Federal spending
• U.S. government efficiencies
• Data-driven government and evidence-based policy

We welcome your input. If you have suggestions for this Roundtable or future topics, please email datagov@gsa.gov

Update 7/26/2017: Roundtable on Open Data for Economic Growth Agenda