Building trust in data, for the common good
Open North is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the common good. Working alongside governments and civic-minded organizations of all sizes, we provide data expertise to enhance decision-making, drive innovation, improve public and civic services, and address society’s most pressing challenges.
Our work focuses on building the capacity of organizations to make better decisions about managing their data so that it is useful, actionable, secure, and trustworthy throughout its entire lifecycle.
SERVICES
Open North offers a wide range of services designed to support your organization no matter where you are in your data journey.
TEAM
At Open North, we combine deep expertise in data with a multidisciplinary approach. Our team includes urban planners, software engineers, community organizers, data scientists, cybersecurity and IT audit specialists, sociologists, geographers, and technology lawyers, bringing diverse perspectives to every project.
VALUES
A core set of values motivates our work and defines our process: pursuing the common good, learning in the open, valuing relationships over transactions, advocating for systems change, and caring for one another.
Learn about our recent work
Right-sized data capacity assessments: Developing a customized approach for small and medium-sized municipalities
Artificial Intelligence Serving Municipalities – A practical guide
Many cities and municipalities are already using AI to improve their services. Between promises of efficiency and risks related to transparency, algorithmic bias, or cybersecurity, municipal administrations struggle to make informed decisions. This guide draws on the expertise of researchers in AI, urban planning, and public policy and offers practical recommendations.
Cybersecurity for Small and Medium-Sized Organizations
Small and medium-sized organizations face mounting cybersecurity challenges, yet many lack the resources and specialized expertise to build robust defenses against evolving threats. Developed as part of the Montréal en Commun program data governance workstream, this resource reflects the real experiences and needs of civic-minded organizations while managing sensitive information responsibly.
Our Networks
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Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Open GovernmentCivil Society Member -
City of MontréalPartner in charge of data governance project for Montreal in Common -
Code for All Global NetworkMember -
Migrant Integration in the Mid-21st Century: Bridging DividesPartner -
Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst -
AI for the Rest of UsCollaborator on multi-year project funded by SSHRC -
International Open Data CharterImplementation Working Group -
Design and implementation of new governance models in the digital health ageCollaborator -
NumanaConnected Health Advisory Committee
