How to Enable Collaboration in Open Government Data Ecosystems: A Public Platform Provider's Perspective

TL;DR

This paper explores how public entities can foster collaboration in open government data ecosystems by analyzing four case studies and proposing a conceptual model to guide platform design and orchestration.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive conceptual model and practical recommendations for public entities to enable collaboration within OGD ecosystems, considering ownership, scope, roles, and collaboration types.

Findings

Different ownership models influence collaboration dynamics

Ecosystem scope affects data sharing and OSS development

Recommendations support public entities in ecosystem orchestration

Abstract

Objective: Our objective is to explore how public entities in the role of platform providers can address this issue by enabling collaboration within their OGD ecosystems, both in terms of the OGD published on the underpinning platform, as well as any related Open Source Software (OSS) and standards. Method: We conducted an exploratory multiple-case study of four OGD ecosystems with diverse characteristics. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and in one of the cases through a prolonged engagement. The data was then coded using a set of \textit{apriori} codes. Results: The study descriptively presents each case based on the coding, along with synthesis in the form of a conceptual model that highlights different attributes of OGD ecosystems. For example, we observe how collaboration can be enabled through different types of ownership of the platform provider, how the ecosystem's scope can vary, what roles the platform provider may undertake, how to enable open collaboration, and how to collaborate in terms of data sharing, OSS development, and standards. For each aspect, we provide recommendations based on the explored cases that, together with the model, may help public entities in designing and orchestrating new or existing OGD ecosystems. Conclusions: We conclude that enabling and facilitating collaboration in an OGD ecosystem is a complex exercise, yet believe that it offers new ways for public entities in how they can leverage the power of open innovation to address their goals and directives.