Despite the decline in the discovery of new chemical entities for pharmaceutical use, there is a significant proliferation of patents on products and processes that cover minor, incremental innovations.
In recent years, a diverse coalition of actors has pushed the creation and diffusion of open data programmes around the world.
In April 2013 project leaders from the Exploring the Emerging Impacts of Open Data in Developing Countries (ODDC) research network gathered in London for a two-¬day network meeting.
Releasing freely accessible, standardized, and easily readable government data can increase transparency and accountability. This open government data movement can foster greater civic participation and promote new business opportunities.