The document discusses the potential benefits of open data and open access. It notes that technological advances have expanded the ways research can be disseminated and accessed. It promotes a philosophy where data is freely available to everyone without restrictions from copyright or other controls, though licenses to reuse data are acceptable. The document provides examples of open data in practice through freedom of information laws and open educational resources. It concludes that openness is generally positive but not an absolute, and stakeholders should engage in ongoing discussion around open approaches and their impact.