Considering the Reluctance to Adopt Open Data in German Public Administration: An Exploration of Individual Innovation-Decisions

Abstract

This article examines different forms of rejecting Open Data by administrative staff in German public administrations. The starting point for our study, was the observation that the diffusion of Open Data in Germany has been rather restrained in practice, despite potential advantages and strong political commitment. For this purpose, individual innovation-decision processes of administrative staff were examined. The paper is based on semi-structured interviews with experienced Open Data experts and provides insights into rejecting or negative attitudes as well as resistance to Open Data by administrative employees and thus, provides explanations for the reluctance such as perceived high risks associated with the implementation of Open Data. At the same time, experiences regarding barriers, like an insufficient technical framework for Open Data are presented. This provides important insights on how to address negative attitudes and opposition to Open Data effectively.