Rotterdam open data: Exploring the release of Public Sector Information through co-creation

Abstract

Release of Public Sector Information (PSI) is increasingly being mandated on top levels of government. On a local level, PSI release is not always without difficulty. In this paper, we examine how the paradigm of co-creation and participation can be applied to PSI release in the public sector on a local level. A pilot study was organized focussing on the use of released PSI, stimulating idea exchange among partners. In this study, students were encouraged to seek collaboration with local partners such as the creative industry, local government, and inhabitants. We elaborate on the results and discuss how this fosters innovation. Not only the co-created applications serve as illustrative examples, but also to collaboration through the co-creation approach seem to be promising. It can be concluded that such an approach connecting crucial partners can create a sustainable infrastructure to co-create public services and fosters further innovation with PSI. We reflect on the use of co-creation as a platform to reap the potentials of released PSI.