Connecting supply and demand through portals: a study of open government data in China

Open government data (OGD) has developed rapidly due to various benefits that can be derived through transparency and public access. However, researchers have emphasized the lack of use instead of the lack of disclosure of OGD as a key problem in the present development of OGD. To find ways for better utilization of OGD by connecting the supply and demand sides through OGD portals, the author designed four connected studies. The first study built an evaluation framework for understanding the development of the supply-side of OGD by evaluating existing Chinese province-level OGD portals. Secondly, with the primary users on the demand-side and the major beneficiaries of OGD, the second study focused on a survey conducted to analyze citizens' awareness and utilization of OGD portals. A third study compared the supply and demand sides of OGD by using the data collected in the previous two parts based on Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory. Lastly, a final study tested the proposed usability criteria for building an OGD portal in helping users to use the data on the portal by carrying out a between-subjects experiment. All the case studies in these four parts were carried out in China. This research recognizes that Chinese province-level OGD portals are in an early stage of development. Citizens have limited awareness of OGD and OGD portals. Significant relationships are recognized among citizens, their demands of OGD and their utilization of OGD. Significant conflicts lie on the supply and demand sides of OGD in relation to relative advantage, compatibility and complexity. Our experiment shows that following these usability criteria for building an OGD portal could improve acceptance of the portal. Improving the help functions would also help users to find the data they need. Based on the analysis results from this study, future directions for developing OGD and OGD portals are identified, including: (1) identifying different user types; (2) increasing the online visibility of OGD; (3) improving the help functions of OGD portals such as providing online smart agents; (4) strengthening user interaction with the portals; and (5) reinforcing OGD characteristics.