D5.3 Strategies towards sustainable open data ecosystems

This deliverable aims at developing an overarching sustainable framework and strategy by addressing the key challenges faced by current open data systems, which are supplier-driven, linear, exclusive, and effort-based, limiting their ability to create sustainable and value-generating Open Data Ecosystems (ODEs).

The main objective of this deliverable was to design an overarching sustainable ODE framework and to propose strategies to pave the way towards a user driven, circular, inclusive, and skill-based Open Data Ecosystem (ODE). To achieve such an overarching sustainable framework and strategies, previous research done in this project has been utilized from different perspectives, such as for bridging the open data supply and demand, for incorporating the different aspects required for ensuring circularity, and for integrating requirements key to ensuring inclusiveness. Building on the work of Van Loenen et al. (2021) and further developing the whole ODECO project based on this work, the deliverable proposes a transformative vision for open data systems by incorporating the ODE drivers, namely user driven, inclusive, circular, and skill-based, towards sustainable and value-creating ODEs. The goal is to move away from fragmented, government-centric open data systems toward ecosystems that maximize value for all stakeholders—government, NGOs, researchers, businesses, and citizens alike—while ensuring fair value distribution and fostering innovation.

The deliverable introduces a comprehensive ODE Framework that integrates components such as stakeholder groups, data provision and usage, driving forces, governance, open data infrastructure, and enabling environments. By utilizing the ODE framework components, we have illustrated their interactions, portraying the complexity of an ODE.

We also identified 83 strategies to further ODE development. Further synthesis gives 29 distinct strategies. This resulted in eleven recommendations for institutions and actors producing, using or otherwise contributing to the ODE, to be implemented in order to support sustainable ODEs. These 11 recommendations may improve usability and accessibility, quality, and participation through a set of 5 technical and 6 governance strategies.

In conclusion, achieving a sustainable ODE requires a multifaceted approach that balances inclusivity, circularity, user driven engagement, and skill-based empowerment. This deliverable represents a step forward in the evolution of ODEs. By addressing the gaps in current systems and leveraging the proposed strategies, the framework and strategies outlined in this study pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative open data future. Ultimately, this work contributes to the broader goal of harnessing open data as a powerful tool for societal and economic transformation.