Open data value and business models

Abstract

The chapter focuses on innovation processes aspiring to generate value through a purposeful and effective exploitation of data released in an open format. On the one hand, such processes represent a great opportunity for private and public organizations while, on the other, they pose a number of challenges having to do with creating the technical, legal and procedural preconditions as well as identifying appropriate business models that may guarantee the long term financial viability of such activities. As a matter of fact, while information sharing is widely recognized as a value multiplier, the release of information in an open data format through creative common licenses generates information-based common goods characterized by nonrivalry and nonexcludability in fruition. An aspect posing significant challenges for the pursuit of sustainable competitive advantages.