Open Data as a Governance Innovation. A Living Lab Experiment Based on Strategic Niche Management

AbstractThe promises of open government data are high. Open data are claimed to contribute to transparency, citizen participation, collaboration, economic and public service development. From an innovation perspective based... [ view full abstract ]

Abstract

The promises of open government data are high. Open data are claimed to contribute to transparency, citizen participation, collaboration, economic and public service development. From an innovation perspective based on Strategic Niche Management, we show that there is a gap between the promise and practice of open government data. This study uses a living lab approach in a province in the Netherlands to stimulate the provision and use of open data for collective learning. The results based on four interventions over a period of two years show that we managed to stimulate the use of open data and also raised awareness within government but that the niche failed to turn open data usage into a sustainable solution. We conclude that a promising idea will not result in governance innovation without strong managerial and political pressure on middle managers who are key figures in this innovation.