Towards Open Data Impact Evaluation Framework – An Empirical Analysis of the Demand-side Response

Abstract

Open data is widely presumed to have a social, environmental, political, and economic impact; however, the evidence to that impact has remained scarce. The impacts must be explored and quantified to give a reasonable insight into the supply-side activities and demand-side responses. Based on the data collected from open data users in Ireland, we address the questions what the impacts of open data are and what indicators can be used to quantify the impacts of future open data initiatives. Findings from this study revealed impact categories, areas, and specific indicators to each impact areas. Output of this research directly contributes to the development and implementation of the National Open Data Strategy. This research recommends that open data leaders revisit indicators in respond to the change of social context and call for new forms of joint action between public and private stakeholders to deliver data-driven public goods.