Pathologies of Open Data Platforms and Desired Transparency-Related Affordances for Future Platforms

Abstract

The increasing volumes of datasets published on open data platforms have had little impact on the public use of open data and perceived transparency of respective governments. At the same time, the innovation potentials of these datasets are far from realized due to many factors including poor quality of datasets. While past studies have attempted to catalog barriers to open data exploitation and use; few studies have focused on the role of the available open data platforms in tackling this problem. In addressing this gap, this research work examines the problems (or pathologies) associated with the use of current generation of open data platforms and perspectives of stakeholders on desirable features and affordances. Results from our analysis of existing platforms and stakeholders' views show several limiting factors on available platforms. Findings also provide insights into three categories of platform affordances that could spur greater use of open data published on these platforms and enhanced transparency of respective governments.