This paper explores the methods and motivations behind innovative uses of open government data in five specific country contexts, and considers how the insights it uncovers might be adopted in a UK context.

This paper by Mor Rubinstein (Open Knowledge International) and Josh Cowls and Corinne Cath (Oxford Internet Institute) explores the methods and motivations behind innovative uses of open government data in five specific country contexts - Chile, Argentine, Uruguay, Israel, and Denmark; and considers how the insights it uncovers might be adopted in a UK context.

Through a series of interviews with 'social hackers' and open data practitioners and experts in countries with recognised open government data 'hubs', the authors encountered a diverse range of practices and approaches in how actors in different sectors of society make innovative uses of open government data. This diversity also demonstrated how contextual factors shape the opportunities and challenges for impactful open government data use.

Based on insights from these international case studies, the paper offers a number of recommendations - around community engagement, data literacy and practices of opening data - which aim to support governments and citizens unlock greater knowledge exchange and social impact through open government data.

It is a first step in understanding how open government data can be better harnessed to improve society.

Authors

Mor Rubinstein, Josh Cowls & Corinne Cath

This research was funded by our Bright Ideas Research Fund, which provided small grants to develop interesting research projects and policy proposals in fields that relate to innovation and are in areas outside of Nesta's programmes.

The views expressed in this research paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of Nesta.