Strategy & Leadership

Open Government Data initiatives are viewed as a positive among citizens around the world, EIU survey finds

October 19, 2017

Global

  • Nearly eight in 10 respondents (78%) say Open Government Data can help improve the lives of citizens
  • Almost half of survey respondents use Open Government Data at least on a monthly basis
  • 25% of people in Singapore are using OGD to create new businesses and this is comparable to South Korea and India peaking at 30%
  • Singaporeans generally trust their government to keep their data safe and anonymous
  • Easier access to government information and data was the most frequently cited benefit
  • Half (50%) of survey respondents say that a lack of awareness about Open Government Data inhibits greater usage by the public

Open Government Data (OGD) plays an important role in improving the lives of citizens, according to a new survey from The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), which also uncovers a wide range of uses and expectations that OGD will translate into long-term benefits across society.

The survey, entitled and sponsored by the Government Technology Agency of Singapore, is based on a survey of 1,000 citizens — 100 from 10 different countries in America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe — all of whom were familiar with the concept of OGD.

Nearly half (47%) of respondents say they use OGD on at least a monthly basis. The primary areas of usage are work-related (43%) and for personal decision-making (42%). The survey also finds that there are many perceived benefits of OGD: easier access to government information and data was the most frequently cited (by 43%), followed by better quality of life (38%), improved governance (37%), and as a creator of new businesses (20%).

 

A driver of growth

Using OGD to create new business projects

(% of respondents)

At the same time, half (50%) of survey respondents say that lack of awareness about OGD and its potential uses or benefits inhibits greater usage by the public, indicating that governments must do more to raise awareness of OGD. The second leading barrier towards greater usage (cited by 31%) was lack of access to data that is relevant to public needs, again indicating an opportunity for governments to increase usage of OGD in the future. While just 12% of respondents currently report using OGD to create apps and data visualizations, six in 10 (61%) agree that OGD is an opportunity to generate greater economic value through social innovation.

“People have grand expectations of the benefits. It is not just about getting to work faster, but about the longer term environmental and economic benefits,” says Charles Ross, the editor responsible for the survey. “It is interesting to see that heavy users of OGD are happy with the service, so countries are doing a good job but they can also do more to further stimulate demand.”

 

 

Press enquiries:

Alice Tong, Head of Marketing, Content Solutions, Asia.

+852 2585 3835

 

Charles Ross, Managing Editor

+65 6428 2614

 

Notes to editors

Open Government Data: Assessing demand around the world draws on a survey conducted in March and April 2017 of 1,000 citizens—100 from 10 different countries in America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe to better understand drivers and challenges towards OGD across the world. A screener question ensured that all survey takers were familiar with OGD.

 

For more discussion on the topics covered in the report, look for the Twitter hashtag: 

 

About The Economist Intelligence Unit

The Economist Intelligence Unit is the world leader in global business intelligence. It is the business-to-business arm of The Economist Group, which publishes The Economist newspaper. The Economist Intelligence Unit helps executives make better decisions by providing timely, reliable and impartial analysis on worldwide market trends and business strategies. More information can be found at or .

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