Investigating the attainment of open government data objectives

Is there a mismatch between objectives and results?

Journal Article (2018)
Author(s)

Anneke Zuiderwijk-van Eijk (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)

Rhythima Shinde (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)

Marijn Janssen (TU Delft - Technology, Policy and Management)

Research Group
Information and Communication Technology
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1177/0020852317739115 Final published version
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Publication Year
2018
Language
English
Research Group
Information and Communication Technology
Pages (from-to)
1-46
Downloads counter
345
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Institutional Repository
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Abstract

The objectives of open government data initiatives range from enhancing transparency and accountability to increasing innovation and participation. However, there is a lack of knowledge of the extent to which the objectives of open government data initiatives are achieved. This article investigates the relationship between the objectives of open government data initiatives and the benefits delivered. A total of 168 survey responses concerning 156 open government data initiatives at different government levels worldwide suggest that operational and technical benefits are the benefits most often delivered, followed by economic benefits and, finally, societal benefits. Surprisingly, our study suggests that whether an open government data initiative delivers a benefit (e.g. increased openness, trust or innovation) is not significantly affected by having an objective related to the delivery of that benefit. The objectives of state- and national-level open government data initiatives are more often achieved than those of local- and regional-level open government data initiatives.