The interactive field of open government data: inter-administrative dynamics, trans-local networks, and local geopolitics of environmental data activism in China

ABSTRACT

Using an example of China’s environmental data activism, this study explores the state–society interactive mode of socialization in the politics of open government data. Drawing on an interactionist approach, this study argues that in this intermediate situation, NGOs are relatively autonomous, organizing their campaigns and initiatives independently instead of partnering with the state. However, these two sides both spur and exploit each other, shaping an ‘interactive field.’ Data actors use the state’s open data agenda as an opportunity to initiate spin-off data activism to counteract the deficiencies of data disclosure by the government. In response, state agencies adjust and enhance their data disclosure practices, thus performing reactive data governance. We identified several dynamics of this interactive field: (1) It involves multiple grassroots data actors in the form of NGOs that attempt to expand the autonomy of their data advocacy by forming activist networks to bargain with state bureaucracy. (2) The interactive strategies mainly involve tactics of ‘rightful resistance’ but are hybridized with other boundary-spanning strategies that straddle the demarcation of confrontation and non-confrontation. (3) Although the state and nonstate actors are not partnered, they exert mutual influence over each other’s actions and strategies. The shrinking of institutional space has caused NGOs to reorganize interactive strategies. Our study also highlights the local geopolitical dynamics that condition such interactions: besides the inter-administrative dynamics that afford political opportunities, the trans-local advocacy network coordinates actors and resources to exercise data counterpower. Also, the selection of advocacy strategies is varied with targeted government agencies.

KEYWORDS:

• Data activism
• open government data
• fragmented authoritarianism
• trans-local advocacy networks
• local geopolitics

Acknowledgement

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the anonymous reviewers and the guest editors of this special issue for their insightful and constructive comments. We also want to show our respect to those environmental activists and volunteers we interviewed.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by The Research Start-up Fund from ‘Hundred Talents Program’ of Zhejiang University; the National Social Science Fund of China: [Grant Number 21&ZD318].

Notes on contributors

Vincent Guangsheng Huang

Vincent Guangsheng Huang is an Assistant Professor at the College of Media and International Culture, Zhejiang University. His research interests reside mainly in public discourse, political communication and social movement in contemporary China. His recent publications include journal articles in International Journal of Press/Politics, Information, Communication & Society, Discourse & Society, Social Movement Studies, International Journal of Cultural Studies, Games and Culture, Chinese Journal of Communication et al. Email: [email protected].

Yuexin Lyu

Lyu Yuexin is a master student at the College of Media and International Culture, Zhejiang University. Her research interests include the politics of mobility, environmental communication and cultural studies. Email: [email protected].