Figure 2-1-3-7 Open data areas of concern to local governments

(Source) MIC "Survey Research on Current State of Local ICT Utilization" (2013)

In the survey, local governments interested in open data were questioned about areas of concern to them. Among frequently cited options, disaster prevention information was cited by 61.9%, map, geographical and geological information by 49.5%, and administrative and resident service information by 45.9%. But no heavy concentration in particular information was seen (Figure 2-1-3-7).

### d. Implications from survey results

The survey results indicate that local governments in general have some interest in the number system and open data. Highly convenient services using the number system and various public services taking advantage of open data and private sector ideas are expected to produce greater advantages than the present real services, encouraging citizens to use these services and accelerating their expansion.

Great expectations are placed on new usages of social media including commercial SNS (social network services). If information is more widely shared about their advantages and their cost and labor reduction effects, their diffusion may be accelerated.

As for open data, local governments in general have yet to become aware of specific visions of use or advantages. Therefore, we may have to encourage a wide range of local governments to deepen their awareness of the significance of open data.

## Section 2 ICT to Advance Social Infrastructure

### 1. Promoting ICT Town Development

## (1) Survey of local governments on ICT Town Development initiative

### a. Awareness of and efforts for ICT Town Development

Questioned about local governments’ awareness of the “ICT Town Development” initiative, nearly 50% of respondents answered that they heard about the initiative but were unaware of the details (Figure 2-2-1-1).

When questioned how they actually had implemented the “ICT Town Development” initiative, only 9.3% of respondents were implementing or considering implementing the initiative. The tendency remained unchanged from the previous year. Meanwhile, local governments having no interest in the initiative declined substantially from the previous year, indicating local governments’ growing interest in the initiative (Figure 2-2-1-2).

### b. Expectations on and challenges for ICT Town Development

Questioned on expected areas for the ICT Town Development initiative, 49.8% of respondents cited the “safety/security area” and 40.8% chose “healthcare, nursing care, education, welfare and other life-related areas.” The top two remained unchanged from the previous year. But 34.5% selected a new option that was not present in the previous year’s survey – “Hoping to implement ICT Town Development commonly for all areas without sticking to any individual areas.” The survey thus indicated that local governments are willing to use ICT extensively for town development (Figure 2-2-1-3).

Asked about the challenges of and obstacles to the ICT Town Development initiative for local governments, nearly 70% of respondents answered, “Financially difficult.” The second most frequently cited option was “Specific visions of use or usages are not clear.” The third was “Effects or advantages are not clear.” The survey