SOFF will deliver benefits for the private sector in two main ways: (i) contribution to market expansion and creation, including enabling the environment for Public-Private Partnerships; and (ii) benefits from the improvement of weather and climate prediction products. By increasing the demand for equipment, SOFF will provide opportunities for businesses in the weather enterprise to expand their market e.g. companies manufacturing and commercializing weather stations and related operation and maintenance products and services. While achieving compliance with the GBON is a national obligation, it is up to the countries to decide how this obligation will be delivered, with the spectrum ranging from 100% public to combined undertakings with the private sector. The benefits associated with the improvement of weather and climate prediction models will be available to an even larger segment of the weather-related market participants. While GBON data is freely shared among governments, the private sector will have access and be able to acquire improved global modeling products as a result of GBON data improvements.
Consultations will be conducted with private sector stakeholders, both in the SOFF development phase and during SOFF implementation, with a focus on three topics. First, technology, innovation, and environmental sustainability to establish, operate and maintain the national GBON systems. Second, knowledge sharing in operating observing systems. Third, private sector financial contributions to SOFF, through the exploration of new business models as well as voluntary financial contributions as part of Environmental Social and Corporate Governance strategies.
