Abstract
Abstract Purpose The purpose of this exploratory study is to provide modern local governments with potential use cases for their open data, in order to help inform related future policies and decision-making. The concrete context was that of the Växjö municipality located in southeastern Sweden. Design/methodology/approach The methodology was two-fold: 1) a survey of potential end users (n=151) from a local university; and, 2) analysis of survey results using a theoretical model regarding local strategies for implementing open government data. Findings Most datasets predicted to be useful were on: sustainability and environment; preschool and school; municipality and politics. The use context given is primarily research and development, informing policies and decision making; but also education, informing personal choices, informing citizens and creating services based on open data. Not the least, the need for educating target user groups on data literacy emerged. A tentative pattern comprising a technical perspective on open data and a social perspective on open government was identified. Research limitations In line with available funding, the nature of the study was exploratory and implemented as an anonymous web-based survey of employees and students at the local university. Further research involving (qualitative) surveys with all stakeholders would allow for creating a more complete picture of the matter. Practical implications The study determines potential use cases and use contexts for open government data, in order to help inform related future policies and decision-making. Originality/value Modern local governments, and especially in Sweden, are faced with a challenge of how to make their data open, how to learn about which types of data will be most relevant for their end users and what will be different societal purposes. The paper contributes to knowledge that modern local governments can resort to when it comes to attitudes of local citizens to open government data in the context of an open government data perspective.
Highlights
The ultimate purpose of the paper is to contribute to knowledge that modern local governments can resort to when it comes to attitudes of local citizens to open government data (OGD) in the context of an open government (OG) perspective
The purpose of the paper is to contribute to knowledge that modern local governments can resort to when it comes to attitudes of local citizens to OGD in the context of an OG perspective
The idea of open data made available by Växjö municipality was considered a welcome one, albeit with space for further developments and improvements such as making more data sets available as well as more functionalities of the interface
Summary
In the digital world that we live in governments enforce laws and regulations to make data and information they produce available for free use and reuse, ensuring public participation (HM Treasury, 2009; Gruen, 2009; White House, 2009a; 2009b). These data may be utilized by various stakeholders to gain new knowledge, as well as to create and provide new services and products for citizens, businesses and governments. The work on how to implement the Open Data EU Directive from 2003 is progressing
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