Open data evaluation models: Theory and practice

Evaluation of Open Data is a systematic determination of open data merit, worth and significance, using criteria governed by a set of standards (Farbey, Land, & Targett, 1999). It is an essential procedure trying to ignite a learning and innovation process leading to a more effective data exploitation. Examples of questions to be answered by open data evaluation could be: what is the current status of published data against the best practices identified, how effectively these data are published or used, what are the most valuable data for users, what are the problems and barriers discouraging the publication and use of open data and in which extend these barriers affects users’ behaviour towards data usage. The answers on these questions will affect the next developments of an open data portal or initiative and the publication procedure.