Saudi Arabia Rises to 41st Place in Open Data Inventory Report 2024
In a remarkable advancement, Saudi Arabia has achieved significant progress in the "Open Data Inventory Report 2024," published by Open Data Watch. The Kingdom now ranks 41st globally out of 197 countries, marking an impressive leap of 28 positions compared to its assessment in 2022. Additionally, within the G20 nations, Saudi Arabia improved its standing from 15th to 9th, showcasing its unwavering commitment to enhancing transparency and accessibility to statistical data.
The ODIN report relies on two primary components to gauge countries’ performance: the level of coverage, which assesses the comprehensiveness and diversity of official statistics, and the ease of access, which evaluates the usability of these statistics. According to the assessment by Open Data Watch, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated considerable growth in both criteria. The Kingdom’s score in data coverage surged by 16 points, while ease of access improved by 15 points. Notably, since 2017, Saudi Arabia’s overall score has increased by an astounding 143%, underscoring its dedication to adopting best practices in the open data realm.
This national accomplishment is a direct result of the relentless efforts and quality initiatives spearheaded by the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat), which leads the country’s statistical work ecosystem. The authority has focused on refining statistical products, launching strategic indicators in support of Vision 2030, and expanding the availability of open data, making it easier to access through official digital platforms.
In alignment with the goals of Vision 2030, the General Authority for Statistics has enhanced its strategy to develop a robust technological infrastructure. This enables government entities, private sectors, and researchers to utilize statistical data effectively to bolster strategic planning and informed decision-making. Furthermore, GaStat’s initiatives have played a pivotal role in promoting a culture of transparency and have raised societal awareness regarding the critical importance of statistics as a catalyst for sustainable development and innovation.
This impressive progress in the Open Data Watch report underscores Saudi Arabia’s rising profile as a regional and global hub for delivering official statistical indicators. This positioning not only reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a sustainable knowledge-based economy but also enhances transparency, attracts investments, and aligns with the rapid digital transformations occurring worldwide.
The journey toward this achievement reflects a broader vision for the Kingdom, where data accessibility is seen as essential for economic growth and societal development. By embracing open data, Saudi Arabia not only empowers its citizens and businesses but also reinforces its strategic objectives of becoming an influential player on the international stage.
The emphasis on improving data coverage and accessibility is indicative of the Kingdom’s foresight in recognizing the pivotal role of data in modern governance and economic planning. As global economies increasingly rely on accurate and timely data for decision-making, Saudi Arabia’s advancements place it in a competitive position to attract partnerships and investments, further paving the way for innovation and progress.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s notable rise in the Open Data Inventory Report reflects its commitment to transparency, improved access to data, and a robust statistical infrastructure as essential components of its Vision 2030 agenda. This strategic advancement not only aligns with the nation’s long-term objectives but also enhances its role as a key player in the global data landscape, fostering sustainable development and innovation opportunities across various sectors.
