Catarina Roseira

Business models for open government data

The commercial re-use of open government data is broadly expected to generate economic value. However, the practice and study of this trend is still in its infancy. In particular, the issue of value creation in the commercial re-use open government data remains largely unknown. This study aims to further understand how open government data is used to develop commercial products and services. Grounded in the comprehensive data obtained from a sample of 500 US firms that use open government data as part of their business model, we propose a taxonomy that encompasses three business model archetypes (enablers, facilitators, and integrators). Furthermore, we discuss the value proposition of each business model archetype, and subsequently present a framework that describes the value created in the context of the open government data ecosystem. Our framework can be used by both scholars and practitioners in the field of open government data to effectively frame the debate of the value created by the commercial re-use of open government data. Simultaneously, our work can be of benefit to entrepreneurs as it provides a systematic overview, as well as practical insights, of the growing use of open government data in the private sector.

Open government data intermediaries: a terminology framework

The use of public sector data, in an open and machine readable format, is said to contribute not only to public accountability but also to economic growth. In particular, the potential for open government data to generate data-driven entrepreneurship and scientific discovery has been the focus of much attention by both scholars and policy makers. In this article, we analyze the current perspectives on open government data intermediaries. Since it is a very recent phenomenon, the terminology used in this field is not clear, often leading to different terms being confused or used interchangeably. The framework proposed here is meant as an aid in the development of a coherent terminology for describing, comparing and discussing different approaches to these services.

Exploring the Barriers in the Commercial Use of Open Government Data

Open government data is currently used by private sector organizations to create new products and services, and/or to achieve competitive advantage. However, little is known about which barriers are encountered by companies when using the data. The aim of our study is to further extend our understanding of the barriers encountered by firms in the use of open government data, and what is the impact of these barriers on the business. Drawing on interviews with 12 private companies we investigate which barriers are predominant in the commercial use of open government data. Barriers were found mostly in the dimensions of data accessibility, data usability, and interaction. We briefly explore the impact that these barrier can have on the firm, and finally provide suggestions on aspects that can be explored by both governments and firms to improve use of open government data. Our work aims to extend the existing understanding of the commercial use of open government data, as well as to provide insights to both firm managers and government officials in the implementation of open government data strategies.