Legal technology strategist and author Professor Richard Susskind has been appointed as chairman of the Cabinet Office's new advisory panel on Crown copyright.

The panel – a non-departmental public body – is charged with advising ministers on strategy and opportunities for re-using information in government databases and selling it to the private sector.

It will also advise the controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO) about changes and commercial opportunities in the information industry and will monitor the impact of complaints procedures under the Information Fair Trader Scheme.

Douglas Alexander, Minister of State at the Cabinet Office, said the management of information resources was one of the most important challenges facing government in the age of the knowledge economy. He added: "Government generates a high level of strategically important data that is of enormous relevance to the private and voluntary sectors of the economy.

"The Advisory Panel on Crown copyright will be a vital part of our aim to maximise opportunities for re-use of government information and I welcome the appointment of Professor Susskind as the first chair of the advisory panel."

Susskind said: "I have long believed that society could benefit from better preservation and sharing of the wealth of information and knowledge that resides in government.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead a group that advises ministers and helps implement HMSO's enlightened policy in this area."