Exploring Linked Statistical Data Using Linked Widgets

Abstract

The Open Data movement has gained momentum among governments, in the business world, and in the public sector in recent years. This movement has resulted in a growing number of open and accessible datasets that have established a solid basis for enhanced service offerings and improved experiences for citizens and businesses. Statistical data, which embodies a big portion of Open Data, comprises a wide range of domains including finance, demographics, transportation, employment, etc. Statistical data plays an important role in public policy formation and as a facilitator for informed decision-making in the private sector. Linked Statistical Data is an evolving concept that combines the richness of Linked Data (a set of best practices for publishing and connecting structured data on the Web) with the descriptiveness of statistical data to integrate data from multiple sources and put it in a semantic context. In this short paper, Linked Statistical Data limitations and challenges are explored before introducing Linked Widgets as an innovative approach.