Current State
Infrastructure investments, such as SDIs or INSPIRE, are difficult to justify. There is growing evidence of measuring the extent of data reuse and business cases are increasingly developed before making investments. Nevertheless, less attention is given to examining the impact of access to interoperable authoritative public sector location data, considering its role in user satisfaction of digital public services, contribution to efficiencies and contribution to the wider value chain. There are many benefits studies but less concrete evidence that can be used in communications and to raise awareness. Funding models are not always clear, particularly where many parties contribute to and derive benefit from the infrastructure. There is growing awareness of the importance of a systematic approach to communicate the benefits of location data and location-enabled digital public services. This communication could be made even stronger if followed up by evidence-based case studies
Vision
There is a strategic approach to national and European funding, procurement, and delivery of location information and location-based services to minimise costs and maximise benefits for government, businesses and citizens, building on the national SDI and its integration in broader national and European infrastructures, and supporting global initiatives such as the delivery of UN sustainable development goals (SDGs). The approach considers societal return of investments, e.g. in freeing data. The funding and sourcing model for collection and distribution of location data takes into account user needs from different sectors and the strategic importance of continued supply of data at a suitable quality. There are compelling impact assessments and business cases, a rigorous approach to targeting and tracking benefits, and good evidence that benefits are being achieved. Governments invest in the creation and design of ecosystems around data and data platforms in which value is created for the different providers, consumers and partners in the ecosystem. New ways of collaborative funding and return mechanisms are used in data ecosystems and digital platforms.
LIFO Monitoring
The Location Information Framework Observatory (LIFO) monitors the implementation of EULF Blueprint recommendations in European countries. Read about the implementation of recommendations in the Return on Investment focus area in the LIFO Country Factsheets or the LIFO European State of Play Report. Explore the results for selected countries at LIFO Interactive Dashboards - Focus Areas.
Recommendations
| Recommendation 14 | Apply a systematic approach to assessing and monitoring the benefits and performance of location-based services |
| Recommendation 15 | Communicate the benefits of integrating and using location information in digital public services |
| Recommendation 16 | Facilitate the use of public administrations’ location data by non-governmental actors to stimulate innovation in products and services and enable job creation and growth |