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    The impact of open data in the UK: complex, unpredictable, and political

    Worthy, Benjamin (2015) The impact of open data in the UK: complex, unpredictable, and political. Public Administration 93 (3), pp. 788-805. ISSN 1467-9299.

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    Abstract

    This article examines the democratic impact of the UK coalition government's Transparency Agenda, focusing on the publication of all local government spending over £500 by councils in England. It looks at whether the new data have driven increased democratic accountability, public participation, and information transmission. The evidence suggests that the local government spending data have driven some accountability. However, rather than forging new ‘performance regimes’, creating ‘armchair auditors’, or bringing mass use and involvement, the publication creates a further element of political disruption. Assessment of the use and impact of the new spending data finds it is more complex, more unpredictable, and more political than the rhetoric around Open Data indicates. The danger is that the gap between aims and impact invites disappointment from supporters.

    Metadata

    Item Type: Article
    Additional Information: This is the peer reviewed version of the article, which has been published in final form at the link above. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.
    School: Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences
    Research Centres and Institutes: Birkbeck Centre for British Political Life
    Depositing User: Ben Worthy
    Date Deposited: 17 Dec 2018 15:15
    Last Modified: 13 Feb 2024 10:57
    URI: https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/25533

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