Paper Number
ECIS2026-2545
Paper Type
SP
Abstract
Open Government Data (OGD) can create substantial public value, yet this potential is realized largely through OGD-based applications that make data accessible and useful for wider audiences. Many of these applications, typically built by independent volunteer developers, struggle to persist over time. To better understand the socio-technical dynamics that shape their sustainability, this research adopts the generativity framework by Thomas and Tee (2022) and applies it to the level of individual applications. Based on 23 semi-structured interviews with developers, the study examines how generative mechanisms manifest in this context. Preliminary findings indicate that while OGD-based applications often exhibit characteristics of a generative architecture, their potential is constrained by inconsistent data provision and limited community growth. Social components of generativity are present but diminish as maintenance demands increase. This ongoing research extends generativity beyond platform and infrastructure contexts and identifies factors that enable or hinder the long-term viability of OGD-based applications.
Recommended Citation
Börner, Eric and Bley, Katja, "Explaining The Sustainability Of Ogd-Based Applications: A Generativity Perspective" (2026). ECIS 2026 Proceedings. 15.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2026/govtrans/govtrans/15
Explaining The Sustainability Of Ogd-Based Applications: A Generativity Perspective
Open Government Data (OGD) can create substantial public value, yet this potential is realized largely through OGD-based applications that make data accessible and useful for wider audiences. Many of these applications, typically built by independent volunteer developers, struggle to persist over time. To better understand the socio-technical dynamics that shape their sustainability, this research adopts the generativity framework by Thomas and Tee (2022) and applies it to the level of individual applications. Based on 23 semi-structured interviews with developers, the study examines how generative mechanisms manifest in this context. Preliminary findings indicate that while OGD-based applications often exhibit characteristics of a generative architecture, their potential is constrained by inconsistent data provision and limited community growth. Social components of generativity are present but diminish as maintenance demands increase. This ongoing research extends generativity beyond platform and infrastructure contexts and identifies factors that enable or hinder the long-term viability of OGD-based applications.