A promising phenomenon of open data

What is it about?

1) Empowering potential of the Chicago open data phenomenon is analyzed. 2) Open data-driven projects offer a new platform for proactive civic engagement. 3) Networking of independent IT developers becomes crucial for continuation of the trend. 4) The phenomenon transforms traditional channels of political communication at local levels.

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Why is it important?

This article presents a case study of the open data project in the Chicago area. The main purpose of the research is to explore empowering potential of an open data phenomenon at local levels as a platform useful for promotion of civic engagement projects and provide a framework for future research and hypothesis testing. Today the main challenge in realization of any e-government projects is a traditional top-down administrative mechanism of their realization itself practically without any input from members of civil society. In this respect, the author of the article argues that the open data concept realized at local levels may provide a real platform for promotion of proactive civic engagement. By harnessing collective wisdom of local communities, their knowledge and visions of local challenges, governments could react and meet citizens' needs in a more productive and cost-efficient manner. Open data-driven projects that focused on visualization of environmental issues, mapping of utility management, evaluating of political lobbying, social benefits, closing digital divide, etc. are only some examples of such perspectives. These projects are perhaps harbingers of a new political reality where interactions among citizens at local levels will play a more important role than communication between civil society and government due to the empowering potential of the open data concept.

Perspectives