The Complex Dynamics of Open Data

The Open Data movement is spreading across the world pushing a series of ambitious political, social and economic objectives. This paper examines the diverse and sometimes contradictory aims and objectives underlying the reforms. It takes an early look at whether the objectives are being achieved, exploring the methods and the results used to assess Open Data initiatives. Drawing on research in the UK and US, it then explores the conceptual and practical difficulties involved in implementing the policy, asking how governments can encourage cooperation and what happens if the expected benefits do not accrue. It ends by exploring some of the complex dynamics around how transparency policies function and their context-dependent trajectory once they are implemented. Despite the superficially ‘neutral’ role of technology, as with other ‘openness’ reforms, the paper argues politics will decisively shape what the policies can achieve.