Exploring the contributions of open data intermediaries for a sustainable open data ecosystem

Ashraf Shaharudin*, Bastiaan van Loenen, Marijn Janssen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

12 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Open data promises various benefits, including stimulating innovation, improving transparency and public decision-making, and enhancing the reproducibility of scientific research. Nevertheless, numerous studies have highlighted myriad challenges related to preparing, disseminating, processing, and reusing open data, with newer studies revealing similar issues to those identified a decade prior. Several researchers have proposed the open data ecosystem (ODE) as a lens for studying and devising interventions to address these issues. Since actors in the ecosystem are individually and collectively impacted by the sustainability of the ecosystem, all have a role in tackling the challenges in the ODE. This paper asks what the contributions of open data intermediaries may be in addressing these challenges. Open data intermediaries are third-party actors providing specialized resources and capabilities to (i) enhance the supply, flow, and/or use of open data and/or (ii) strengthen the relationships among various open data stakeholders. They are critical in ensuring the flow of resources within the ODE. Through semi-structured interviews and a validation exercise in the European Union context, this study explores the potential contribution of open data intermediaries and the specific ODE challenges they may address. This study identified 20 potential contributions, addressing 27 challenges. The findings of this study pave the way for further inquiry into the internal incentives (viable business models) and external incentives (policies and regulations) to direct the contributions of open data intermediaries toward addressing challenges in the ODE.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere56
Number of pages21
JournalData & Policy
Volume6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • actor-network theory
  • ecosystem
  • intermediaries
  • open data

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Exploring the contributions of open data intermediaries for a sustainable open data ecosystem'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this