Developing an Open Data Intermediation Business Model

Abstract

Despite the many promises of open data, numerous challenges inhibit its full potential, such as its poor or inconsistent quality, a lack of complementary assets, and the limited skills of data providers and end-users. Open data intermediaries are instrumental in addressing some of these challenges. They provide specialized resources and capabilities to enhance the supply, flow, or use of open data, or strengthen the relationships among various open data ecosystem (ODE) actors. However, in-depth studies on open data intermediation business models are limited, with most having only offered birds-eye views of those business models. This deficiency has limited our knowledge to develop open data intermediation business models that contribute positively to the ODE. In the geospatial domain, Esri is an important open data intermediary, having been involved in such a role since the 1990s. This article unpacks Esri's open data intermediation business model and analyses its current strengths and weaknesses as well as its potential opportunities and threats to the ODE. Finally, this article recommends factors to consider in developing an open data intermediation business model that supports the sustainability of the ODE.