A recent article in The Atlantic Cities reviews the path that Helsinki, Finland has taken to open data success.  Paperless city record systems, open databases, and apps that help the blind navigate city streets are all pieces to a successful open data strategy.  The following statement summarizes the organizational structure that has led to their success:

Each city is still responsible for gathering, maintaining, and publishing their own statistical data. The regional body works as a clearinghouse that confirms the data and offers training, support, and technical knowledge. Basically, it functions as a directory to the cities and software developers, telling them where and how to find the data they’re looking for.

Hopefully Helsinki will be a model for other cities around the world as the open data movement continues to grow.  The full article can be found by clicking here.