Understanding the actual use of open data: Levels of engagement and how they are related

Abstract

Government agencies at the national, regional and local levels are proposing open data as a strategy to increase transparency, strengthen accountability, and promote economic development, among other goals. However, little is understood about the actual use of open data, particularly how open data portal users engage with open datasets. This study analyzes the actual use of open data with a focus on a specific type of use, namely engagement. It is based on a cross-sectional analysis of web analytic behavioral data, from New York State’s open health data portal, that quantifies users’ engagement with open datasets. Results of an exploratory factor analysis confirm the presence of distinct levels of users’ engagement with open datasets. In addition, a PLS-SEM analysis reveals significant positive relationships between lower and higher levels of engagement, suggesting users’ engagement with open datasets occurs along a continuum, with lower levels of engagement influencing higher levels. Theoretically, this study contributes a new sub-construct (“Engagement”) to the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) theoretical framework to facilitate a more nuanced understanding of actual open data use. Practically, this study contributes novel empirical evidence for users’ engagement with open datasets as well as reliable engagement measures. Insights from this study can inform improvements to open data strategies and portals to facilitate wider engagement with these valuable resources.