Open Data Initiatives by Local Governments in Japan

the Current Situation and Factors Affecting Implementation

Abstract

The Government of Japan sets multiple objectives for its open data strategy which are: 1) to ensure transparency and credibility of government; 2) to promote public participation and public-private collaboration; and 3) to revitalize the economy and to improve administrative efficiency. The aims of this study were to understand the current situation of local governments’ efforts from a comprehensive perspective not only 1) the release of public data but also 2) the public-private collaboration and 3) the use of open data in administration. We also examine the factors that affect the implementation of initiatives, especially focusing on the population size of municipalities and the Basic Act on the Advancement of Public and Private Sector Data Utilization. The findings suggest that the Act might only stimulate the release of data by small and medium size municipalities. The government should consider further measures including partnership with civic tech communities for facilitating public-private collaboration and data utilization.