ODI Lunchtime Lecture: Opening up White House data

Come join Matt Laessig, COO and co-founder of data.world, as he talks about the open data in government movement in the United States. Showcasing some of the work data.world has done with key federal organisations like the US Census, the Department of Defense, and the White House, Matt will talk about how data.world has helped to make data more accessible and drive more collaboration and a more engaged community around it. He'll trace its history from its origins – in the Presidential Memo out of a newly minted President Obama's office on the first day of his new administration – to the role of data.gov as a platform for agencies and departments to share their data. We'll also briefly discuss key legislation, including the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014 (DATA Act) focused on transparency in financial reporting, as well as the Open Government Data Act, which is currently before Congress and would codify requirements for a new more rigorous open data programme in the federal government. Please note: This lunchtime lecture is taking place on a Wednesday, not our usual Friday slot. About Matt Laessig Matt Laessig is the co-founder and COO of data.world, a leading collaboration and community platform which makes it easier for people to work on data projects. Matt has been an entrepreneur and executive in the technology industry for the last 20 years. Previous to data.world, Matt held multiple leadership roles at HomeAway, the world’s leading vacation rental marketplace, including as Vice President of Global Business Development and General Manager of BedandBreakfast.com. HomeAway was acquired by Expedia in December of 2015 for $3.9 billion, making it the largest acquisition in the history of the online travel category. Prior to HomeAway, Matt served as Vice President of Business Development at Bazaarvoice, the global leader in social commerce solutions. Matt is a graduate of both the Wharton Business School (MBA, ’98) and the Lauder Institute of International Studies and Management (MA, ’98). Matt is also an eight-time competitor on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, the world’s toughest obstacle course competition.