There seem to be several different levels of standarization of metadata and openness standards. First, there’s basic XML standardization efforts, being done through efforts like xml.house.gov.

Then, there are efforts to standardize schemas across different governments and chambers, through projects like e-gms in the UK, or AKOMA NTOSO in Africa.

I guess a third level would be developing and standardizing programming languages, and governing their use, through openness programs like creative commons and GNU and the openness standard you mention. I’d love to hear more about the technical landscape of each of these levels.