The main objectives of this book are to expose key aspects that have a relevance when dealing with open data viewed from different perspectives and to provide appealing examples of how open data is implemented worldwide. The concept of open data as we know it today is the result of many different initiatives, both of a legislative and non-legislative nature, and promoted by a wide range of actors. Numerous regulatory antecedents to foster the concept of open data and embed it in national and international policy agendas have been undertaken on both sides of the Atlantic, and also at a supranational level. The book highlights a few of the efforts made to promote open data in Europe, Asia and the United States. In addition to new insights, practical guidance and multiple disciplinary perspectives on open data, the book also addresses the transformation of current developments towards open data, which can be referred to as the democratisation of data, to a skew balance in the information position of government, citizens and the big five data companies where a few data dictators are likely to dominate the coming decade our information societies. This book shall support open data practitioners as well as open data scholars in their endeavors of promoting open data implementation and research.@en