Closing remarks

Ian JacksonOneGeology

andBritish Geological Survey

November 2010

Why has OneGeology worked?• Short simple mission and vision, and 3 simple goals• Uncomplicated initial proposition, more sophisticated

functionality and data later• Inclusivity• Minimal intrusion into local systems• Pragmatic approach to coordination and governance• A “let’s do it, not excessively strategise about it and discuss it”

ethos• Motivated network• Outreach and media a priority

The lessons learned?• show the benefit of a vehicle to apply the data simply

and graphically as well as develop them• the power of a white space on a map is huge incentive to

join• Outreach and professional communication pays – be

bold and imaginative about it (and don’t leave it to scientists & technicians!)

• Branding IS important!• SDI strategies are opaque to wider stakeholders and

those who have to implement them outside• So don’t overdo the technical theory and strategising -

take a practical approach …. do, learn, build V2

• Rich diversity, extensive, expert, committed

• Great progress on a wide front in last few years

• …..but these assets are also a two-edged sword

• ….and present 10 challenges

GEO – some impressions from this workshop

1. Managing expectations - is GEO being too ambitious for what is a militia, not an army – is it advancing on too wide a front?

2. Is GEO/GEOSS data access ignoring an elephant in the room – researchers reluctance to release data?

3. Does GEO need a more mature and up-to-date approach to public release of data – one consistent with public interest and the internet paradigm?

4. SBA are much talked about, but could GEO do more to relate to society and less self-serving research?

5. Is there enough resource and priority given to PR and media profile?

6. Does GEO have the clear, efficient structure and governance to achieve its aspirations – does it need to prune and reduce the complexity?

7. Is GEO current engagement policy with the commercial sector an opportunity lost?

8. No explicit know-how exchange aim and yet GEO is doing it - should there be?

9. Much of the work is project based – is enough priority given to sustainability of the knowledge and systems?

10.Great progress which “changed the game” – but what is the next GEO game changer?