Göran Smith

Digital Service Innovation from Open Data: Exploring the Value Proposition of an Open Data Marketplace

Open data marketplaces have emerged as a mode of addressing open data adoption barriers. However, knowledge of how such marketplaces affect digital service innovation in open data ecosystems is limited. This paper explores their value proposition for open data users based on an exploratory case study. Five prominent perceived values are identified: lower task complexity, higher access to knowledge, increased possibilities to influence, lower risk and higher visibility. The impact on open data adoption barriers is analyzed and the consequences for ecosystem sustainability is discussed. The paper concludes that open data marketplaces can lower the threshold of using open data by providing better access to open data and associated support services, and by increasing knowledge transfer within the ecosystem.

Public–private innovation: barriers in the case of mobility as a service in West Sweden

ABSTRACT Departing from open innovation (OI), this case study explores the development of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) in West Sweden. An analysis of 19 interviews reveals how representatives from involved actors perceive internal and external barriers as hampering the regional public transport authority’s attempts to collaborate with private actors, and that the perception of barriers is incongruent across public and private actors. Transferability to other cases of public–private OI is discussed, and implications for public actors are proposed. The paper expands the knowledge of preconditions for MaaS’ development and of the unique conditions for OI in public–private settings.

Governing Mobility-as-a-Service: Insights from Sweden and Finland

Based on a review of recent developments in Sweden and Finland, this chapter analyzes the roles of public organizations in the governance of a transition to Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS). In particular, we draw on insights from transition frameworks to explore what these two pioneering cases can teach us about how the public sector can both enable the development of MaaS and steer the development trajectory toward diffusion of MaaS offerings that contribute to transport policy goals. We propose three main points. Firstly, public sector organizations at national, regional, and local levels have key roles to play in potential transitions to MaaS, regardless of their intended operative roles in the emerging MaaS ecosystem. Secondly, a central task for public sector organizations is to align operational and tactical MaaS governance activities with both an overarching MaaS strategy and with other relevant strategies, such as transport infrastructures investments, programs for economic and industrial growth, city plans, and parking norms. Thirdly, new models and tools for public–private collaboration are needed in order to effectively govern the development and diffusion of sustainable MaaS.

Ethical risks of pursuing participatory research as an industrial doctoral student

In this essay, I discuss ethical risks of pursuing participatory research as an industrial doctoral student. I particularly focus on two facets. First, ethical questions that may arise as a consequence of the dual character of the work format, i.e. being both an academic student and a practitioner in the field of study. Second, ethical consideration in relation to a participatory research method in which the researcher recognises his or her role as a change agent within the system, but studies the system as a whole. I conclude that there might be several ethical risks associated with such research, of which the doctoral student should be conscious and transparent.