The Open Kimono: Toward a General Framework for Open Data Initiatives in Cities

Pascual Berrone, Joan Enric Ricart and Carlos Carrasco
IESE BUSINESS SCHOOL
As the urbanization process accelerates worldwide, many cities have joined the “smart city” trend and have employed various strategies that heavily rely on information and communication technologies (ICT). These initiatives aim to create efficient energy systems, develop new business models for transportation and mobility, and improve healthcare services, developments that are ultimately expected to contribute to fostering sustainable communities. In this context, one policy that is becoming increasingly widespread is open data. 
The article presents a framework for exploring the drivers, structure, and dynamics of open  data initiatives in the city context. Drawing on a case study of the city of Barcelona and relying on both academic and practitioner literature, we develop a stepwise framework that can serve as a practical guide for both urban and private leaders in the implementation of open data strategies. By following this model, managers may be able to minimize risk and effectively harness the power of open data. ​