High-value datasets : cross-country findability and comparability of metadata

The implementation of high-value datasets (HVDs) across European Union (EU) Member States is crucial for advancing open data initiatives and facilitating cross-country data reuse. While progress varies among Member States, a standardised approach is essential to ensure the comparability and interoperability of HVDs at the EU level. The current study addresses the challenges in harmonising metadata and improving the findability and accessibility of HVDs, guided by the FAIR principles (based on improved findability, accessibility, interoperability and reuse) and the DCAT-AP HVD guidelines. This pilot study evaluates the findability and metadata comparability of HVDs in selected Member States (Denmark, Estonia, Latvia and Finland). It was conducted between April and May 2024, prior to the entering into force of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/138 (hereafter referred to as 'the regulation') in June 2024. The study aims to assess the user experience of finding and using HVDs from different Member States by evaluating a sample of 24 datasets under the regulation's six thematic categories: geospatial, earth observation and environment, meteorological, statistics, companies and company ownership, and mobility. It also provides recommendations for enhancing metadata standardisation and dataset findability.