Jordan records progress in open data, statistical performance indices

AMMAN — For the second consecutive year, Jordan has made “significant” strides in the Open Data Index (ODIN) for 2024, issued by the Open Data Observatory, where the Kingdom's overall score rose from 53 in 2020 to 66 in 2022, reaching 72 in 2024.

In a statement on Monday, the Department of Statistics said the index assesses countries' performance in terms of official data coverage and openness, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The latest achievement reflects Jordan’s ongoing efforts to boost its national statistical system and provide higher-quality, more transparent data.

ODIN serves as a global benchmark, underlining the value of open data in promoting transparency, supporting informed policymaking, and enhancing the delivery of public services. 

The index evaluates official data across several criteria, including availability at different geographic levels, regularity of updates, comprehensiveness of indicators and data openness.

It also examines accessibility in machine-readable formats, the availability of bulk downloads, and the provision of application programming interfaces (APIs). Performance is measured across two main dimensions: coverage and openness, with a focus on the official websites of national statistics offices and other government sources.

Jordan also recorded an improvement in the World Bank’s Statistical Performance Index (SPI), with its score rising from 66.48 per cent in 2020 to 78.1 per cent in 2023, surpassing the Middle East and North Africa regional average of 64.3 per cent in 2020 and 70.8 per cent in 2023.

The SPI is a “key” tool for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of a country's statistical systems, aiming to enhance the quality and usability of official statistics in support of evidence-based decision-making.

According to the DoS statement, this progress stems from “structured and targeted” efforts under the National Strategy for the Development of the Statistical System (2025–2029), which seeks to improve the availability, quality, and sustainable use of official data.

The improvement aligns with the Economic Modernisation Vision, which highlights the “critical” role of accurate, accessible data in shaping sound economic and social policies that drive comprehensive development across all sectors.