Birmingham to host Open Data Camp at the Council House

Birmingham is to host Open Data Camp, a free national event that brings together people from across the country to explore how data and technology can improve lives, strengthen communities and support better public services.

The event takes place on 21 and 22 November in the Banqueting Suite at the Council House. It will bring together people from local government, universities, charities, technology organisations, community groups and the wider open data community.

What is open data?

Open data is information that can be freely accessed, shared and reused. Birmingham City Council says that making more information accessible can improve transparency, encourage new ideas and help organisations and communities find better ways of tackling the challenges they face.

Used well, data can help people understand what is happening in their city, hold public organisations to account, and help councils make better decisions about the services residents rely on.

An "unconference"

Open Data Camp is not a traditional conference with a programme decided in advance. Instead, it is run as an "unconference", where the people attending decide what gets discussed.

Participants can propose the topics that matter to them, with likely subjects including artificial intelligence, digital public services, research, civic technology, transparency and improving public services.

The event is open to everyone, from people who already work with data and technology to residents and community groups who simply want to understand how it can make a difference. People can attend one day or both.

"What we are really talking about is power"

Councillor Harris Khaliq, cabinet member for city services and digital at Birmingham City Council, said: "Data can sound technical. But what we are really talking about is power. Who has information, who can access it, and how we use it to make people's lives better.

"Technology should never be about innovation for innovation's sake. If we are transforming the way this council works, our residents should feel the difference. That means better public services, greater transparency and a council that is easier to deal with.

"That is why I'm proud Birmingham is hosting Open Data Camp. We are bringing people together from across the country to share ideas, challenge the way things have always been done and ask how technology can help us solve the real problems facing our communities."

A chance to take part

For residents curious about how council data is used, or tech workers keen to put their skills to work for the city, the event is a rare chance to help shape the conversation, free of charge and in one of Birmingham's grandest buildings.