Open Innovation in Public Authorities

Abstract

Today openness is regarded the main driver to achieve organisational and societal growth. This openness will happen, it is believed, through the means of open data. There are high expectations of what the realization of open data will lead to, such as transparent democracy and administration, increased business competitiveness, new economic opportunities and help in tackling societal and environmental challenges. In this paper we explore and discuss the need for a roadmap to achieve openness in public authorities, as well as mechanisms of governance, and what is needed in order for a public authority to become innovative. We conclude that there is a range of issues that public authorities need to consider, if the openness initiative is to succeed, from how to redesign organisational roles, administrative tasks, control systems and decision making to organisational culture.