Exploring open data system promotion strategies in stakeholders' narratives: A qualitative study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 member of the science and technology studies department- Institute for Cultcher, Social and Civilization Studies Tehran,Tehran. Iran

2 department of education, Arak university, Arak ,Iran

3 Doctoral candidate of Allameh Tabataba'i University

4 phd in Knowledge and Information Science .Arak University, Arak, Iran

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of policymakers, experts, and stakeholders in technology-based businesses regarding strategies for improving open data systems. The research primarily focused on identifying the requirements, challenges, and strategies necessary for the effective development of open data at both the governance and organizational levels.
Methodology: This study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach. Participants included legislators, academic experts, and owners of high-technology enterprises. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, which occurred with 21 participants. Data were collected through both individual and group narrative interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. To ensure the credibility and trustworthiness of the findings, audit trails, thick descriptions, and peer debriefing (code acceptability review by two external observers) were employed.
Findings: Thematic analysis revealed that strategies for improving open data systems can be categorized into six organizing themes: strengthening inter-agency interaction, developing necessary infrastructure for data publication, refining policymaking and legal frameworks, enhancing data quality, balancing data privacy with flexible government confidentiality protocols, and shifting individual and organizational attitudes toward data transparency. In total, 98 basic themes were identified under these six organizing themes.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that improving open data systems requires simultaneous reforms across infrastructure, legislation, organizational procedures, data quality, and the mindsets of institutional actors. Accordingly, policymakers and executive bodies can utilize the framework developed in this study to revise existing procedures and accelerate the advancement of open data. We recommend that legislative institutions formulate clear mandates for public data sharing, define specific roles and responsibilities for regulatory and executive bodies, enforce strict standards for organizational data archiving, and design educational and cultural programs to facilitate data sharing among employees.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Sciences and Techniques of Information Management
Volume 12, Issue 1
March 2026
Pages 124-138

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