A community-driven open data lifecycle model based on literature and practice

Government organizations around the world have developed open data strategies to increase transparency and enable re-use of their data. However, in practice, many organizations find the process of opening up their data cumbersome and they do not know which steps to take. Lifecycle models can guide the process of opening up data. Therefore, this paper develops an open data lifecycle model based on literature and practice. First, using existing open data lifecycle models this paper identifies generic phases of opening up data. Then, investigating the process of opening up data in a semi-public organization in the Netherlands, the lifecycle model is refined. While existing open data lifecycle models focus mainly on technical aspects of opening up data to ensure publication, our case study shows that involving stakeholders within the organization as well as building an engaged community of stakeholders outside the organization—also in an early stage, is crucial to the success of open data. This stimulates re-use and allows for open data to be embedded into the organizational strategy and work processes.