What Is the Difference between Open Data and FAIR data?

The difference between open and FAIR data is the degree of accessibility and requirements for usability. Open data is available without restriction, and FAIR data defines specific conditions to be accessed and utilized.

FAIR stands for findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.

What Are Open and FAIR Data Types?

Open data can be freely used, modified, and shared by anyone for any purpose. FAIR data is also widely available and utilized, but incorporates the following usability requirements that go beyond permission alone: 

• FAIR data must be defined and entered into online public records for the purpose of discovery and citation. 

• FAIR data must be made accessible such that it can be opened, read, and processed. 

• FAIR data must be recorded and presented in a way that can be understood and utilized.

FAIR Data vs Open Data: Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of open data is that it maximizes theoretical data freedom and accessibility. However, its lack of requirements can make it difficult to access and complicated to use. 

FAIR data, on the other hand, sacrifices a degree of accessibility to promote usability. Each data type has many effects on data collection and documentation, including storage format, methods for preservation and sharing, and licensing for re-use.

Get a demo to learn more about how the Dotmatics platform incorporates FAIR data practices.