Open government data (OGD) in six Middle East countries: an evaluation of the national open data portals
Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance
ISSN: 2398-5038
Article publication date: 11 June 2018
Issue publication date: 4 July 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to do provide an overview of open government data (OGD) frameworks in six Middle East countries (Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon and Jordan) and to underscore the barriers in using the open data sets.
Design/methodology/approach
OGD framework offered by Sieber and Johnson (2015) is deployed for the present purpose. Primarily, documentary analysis is being used for substantiating the study and the national portals of the six countries are investigated.
Findings
In line with the frameworks chosen for this study, OGD initiatives across the six Middle East countries are at an emerging phase. All the six countries qualify for the “data over the wall” model as advanced by Sieber and Johnson (2015), wherein there are basic provisions of “data aggregation.” Furthermore, the data are incomplete and outdated, which serve as barriers in using these data sets for analysis and interpretation. Therefore, there are a number of barriers in using the open data sets. However, there are many prospects for using these data sets which would improve public accountability and transparency in the long run.
Practical implications
Besides helping in improved decision-making, the governments may be in a better position to appreciate the relevance of adopting a robust OGD initiative in facilitating the economic growth of their country.
Social implications
This study is relevant for ensuring that citizen engagement is promoted and there is co-creation of public value.
Originality/value
Hitherto, OGD has been investigated in the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) but the other countries in Middle East have not been investigated. This study selects six countries outside the GCC ambit and investigates the nature and scope of OGD initiatives in each of them apart from underlining the barriers in using the open data sets.
Keywords
Citation
Saxena, S. (2018), "Open government data (OGD) in six Middle East countries: an evaluation of the national open data portals", Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 310-322. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-10-2017-0055
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited