Walking the extra byte: A lifecycle model for linked open data

Abstract

More and more public organizations publish their data in an open format to increase transparency and foster economic activity. In this modern gold rush, organizations strive to open up as many datasets as possible, without considering the strategic importance of open data. Especially linking data to other datasets can lead to the creation of innovative services. One issue that is often not explicitly addressed before opening up data is the format of the dataset. Central to open data is that the format is machine readable. But to allow for effortless linking of datasets, data being merely machine readable is not sufficient. Lifecycle models can uide the process of publishing linked open data. Current linked open data ifecycle models focus on the technical steps that need to be taken by the internal IT organization and often forget to include actions to be taken ater publication. The effectiveness of linked open data, however, depends n how much the data is used. Hence, this paper develops a linked open data lifecycle model that takes the multiple disciplines and stakeholders within and outside the organization into account as well as the steps to be taken after publication of the atasets. Firstly, using existing linked open data lifecycle models, this aper identifies generic phases of opening up linked data: identification, reparation, publication, re-use and evaluation. Secondly, investigating the rocess of opening up data in a semipublic oganization in the Netherlands, he lifecycle model is refined and detailed. his case study shows that the involvement of relevant stakeholders, both within and outside the organization and of various disciplines, is essential to realize the support for the process and stimulate re-use.