Open data isn’t what you think. It’s more than a transparency exercise for government. It stretches beyond social good. In reality, it’s a growing resource companies can leverage to affect their bottom line. Data is the new gold.

Whether used to enhance, predict or validate current offerings, better understand your customers, or to explore new markets, open data is turning the heads of profit-driven companies around the globe. But how does Canada stack up? What datasets are companies using? Where are the bottlenecks?

We’re benchmarking how Canadian companies use open data. Can you help?

Complete the Survey

Open Data 150 (OD150) is the first comprehensive, internationally-comparable inventory of open data for commercial use. Our goal is to pinpoint 150 companies using open data in Canada. If your company uses open data – or you can spread the word to companies that do – we hope you’ll get involved.

This survey is not a random statistical sample; it is a thorough inventory to map open data use. The OD150 will help to raise awareness of open data use in Canada, focus advocacy and influence policy.

Results of the survey will help Canada to:

    • compare our commercial open data use to other countries;
    • identify best-practices and urgent needs;
    • create stronger links between those who use data and those who provide it;
    • shape advocacy and policy, ultimately opening more data sets; and
    • grow Canada’s economy.



What’s in it for you? Survey respondents will receive an 8GB USB stick that looks like a gold bar, stamped with “Data is the new gold.” It’s stocked with case studies, early Open Cities Index results, and more about the OD150. You’ll be the envy of the office! The survey also provides an opportunity to heighten awareness for your brand, as we will be spotlighting outstanding participants.

A joint project between The Govlab and Canada’s Open Data Exchange (ODX), OD150 is supported by Open North, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Thomson Reuters.

Go to opendata500.com/ca to complete the survey. Spread the word. Do it for Canada. Do it for the USB stick. Just do it.

Complete the Survey

Not using open data yet? Start the conversation on our Community or contact ODX directly to discuss your needs.