Benefits, Adoption Barriers and Myths of Open Data and Open Government

Abstract

In this article, based on data collected through interviews and a workshop, the benefits and adoption barriers for open data have been derived. The results suggest that a conceptually simplistic view is often adopted with regard to open data, which automatically correlates the publicizing of data with use and benefits. Also, five “myths” concerning open data are presented, which place the expectations within a realistic perspective. Further, the recommendation is provided that such projects should take a user's view.

Keywords:

• systems theory
• institutional theory
• adoption
• diffusion
• open data
• open government
• governance
• transformation

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This article is related to the ENGAGE FP7 Infrastructure Project (An Infrastructure for Open, Linked Governmental Data Provision Towards Research Communities and Citizens), which started in June 2011. The authors would like to thank their colleagues of the ENGAGE project for their input toward this article. The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the project.