Our co-founder Stefaan Verhulst delivered a keynote speech at the EU Open Data Days on March 20, 2025, exploring a potential Fourth Wave of Open Data—one that integrates generative AI to drive social impact. This session examined how AI-powered conversational interfaces can enhance accessibility and inclusivity, particularly for non-technical users and marginalised communities. It also addressed what it means for open data to be ‘AI-ready,’ exploring the necessary standards, governance frameworks, and ethical considerations to ensure both interoperability and accountability. Finally, Stefaan discussed how sustainable data commons can be built to balance openness and trust, enabling collaboration while safeguarding public interest. Tackling the technical, ethical, and institutional barriers ahead is key to unlocking the full potential of this next evolution in open data.
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