Why open data is a top government criterion - Tracking The Internet of Things

"Many local governments – most in fact — already have a phase one smart city initiative. These are producing exciting, highly visible benefits for the council, ratepayers and visitors. So why on earth should they want to start on something as foreign as an open data policy now? Most local governments have started using technology to improve their services and, by doing so, improve the lives of their citizens. These projects tend to focus on a single service — such as smart lighting, bins, or parking — and have been started within the department responsible for the individual service. These are phase one smart city projects."