Open Data in Israel, Georgia and Uzbekistan: nature and scope

Purpose The main purpose of this study is to investigate the nature and scope of Open Data in Israel, Georgia and Uzbekistan. Design/methodology/approach Drawing upon the two Open Data models proposed by Kalampokis et al. (2011) and Sieber and Johnson (2015), this paper seeks to underline the nature and scope of Open Data in Israel, Georgia and Uzbekistan. Findings Open Data across the three countries (Israel, Georgia and Uzbekistan) is at an early stage of maturity. There is more of data aggregation and this poses a number of challenges as far as access to and usage of these data sets are concerned. Furthermore, in terms of the model proposed by Sieber and Johnson (2015), there is “data over the wall” in these countries. Practical implications The study holds practical relevance in the sense that policymakers are encouraged to further the Open Data initiatives in their respective countries. Furthermore, government departments are encouraged to release data sets for use by the public and to generate public value. Originality/value Whereas extant literature on Open Data veers around economies in the West, academic research in other countries is visibly lacking. Also, no study has been undertaken so far wherein Open Data initiatives in Israel, Georgia and Uzbekistan have been undertaken till date. The present study seeks to plug this gap in a major way.