The Gap Between Publication and Utilization
IATI has succeeded in creating a global standard for data publication. However, for many key stakeholders, a significant barrier remains: converting this vast, raw data into usable, actionable information.
Partner Governments
Need country-specific, budget-aligned data to integrate into national planning systems, but often lack the technical capacity to extract and reformat it from the raw IATI XML.
CSOs & NGOs
Require thematic or sectoral data to track funding flows, identify gaps, and hold donors accountable, but find querying the entire dataset for specific needs to be complex and time-consuming.
Journalists & Researchers
Need timely, easy-to-digest data summaries and trend analysis for storytelling and research. The technical nature of the IATI standard presents a steep learning curve that hinders rapid analysis.
The Solution: An Active Data Packaging Service
IATI should evolve from a passive data publisher to an active service provider. This means transforming raw data into user-centric, ready-to-use formats based on identified stakeholder needs.
Raw IATI Data
Comprehensive but complex XML
IATI Packaging Service
Validates, aggregates, formats
Realizing the Service: A Phased Approach
This service can be built upon IATI's existing infrastructure and expertise, creating a powerful, cohesive data ecosystem.
Leveraging and Aligning Existing Infrastructure
IATI already possesses a suite of valuable data access tools. The most visual and widely used of these is d-portal, a cornerstone of IATI's data visualization efforts since 2011. Crucially, the IATI Secretariat is already making progress on a strategic initiative to visually align d-portal with other key tools, including the Country Development Finance Data (CDFD) portal, the Datastore, and IATI Tables.
This work goes beyond aesthetics; it includes a plan to unify the underlying data pipeline that feeds these platforms. This foundational effort to create a consistent, reliable, and efficient backend is the perfect technical launchpad. With this unified infrastructure in place, the proposed Active Data Packaging Service becomes the logical next step—fully realizing the potential of this cohesive system by delivering tailored, high-value data products through it.
Proposed Service Tiers
Tier 1: Standardized Data Packages
Creation of pre-packaged, regularly updated datasets for the most common use cases (e.g., "All data for Country X", "All Health Sector projects"). Available for one-click download in multiple formats (CSV, Excel).
Tier 2: Dynamic Query Builder
A user-friendly web interface allowing non-technical users to build custom queries (select countries, sectors, donors, date ranges) and export the tailored data on-demand.
Expected Impact: From Transparency to Transformation
By directly addressing user needs, this service will dramatically increase the use, relevance, and impact of IATI data.
Most Requested Data Formats by User Group
300%
Potential increase in data downloads by non-technical users.
50%
Reduction in time-to-insight for researchers and journalists.
10+
Partner countries better equipped for data-driven budget planning.