Open Data & Civic Apps: 1st Generation Failures – 2nd Generation Improvements

Abstract

Beginning in 2009, governments across the world intensified their efforts to open their vast collections of data to provide transparency to the public, improve the provision of civic services, and encourage economic development. An initial strategy to encourage the use of this data was the creation of app contests based on civic open data. Though these contests became popular, their impact and value creation was less than anticipated. We examined open data initiatives in eight cities in the US and Europe to understand the failures of these early contests. We conclude with potential improvements and best practices based on second generation open data initiatives.

Keywords: Open data, open innovation, public policy management

JEL Classification: O31, O32