Title: The impact on innovation of open access to spatial environmental information: a research strategy

Authors: Maria Teresa Borzacchiello; Max Craglia

Addresses: European Commission – Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Digital Earth and Reference Data Unit, TP262, JRC, Via Fermi, 21027 Ispra (VA), Italy. ' European Commission – Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Digital Earth and Reference Data Unit, TP262, JRC, Via Fermi, 21027 Ispra (VA), Italy

Abstract: The causal link between accessibility to resources and economic development is frequently claimed, but not always supported by evidence-based studies. This is also the case for increased access to public sector information which is believed to offer major opportunities to boost innovation and growth, and contribute to reducing current economic difficulties. Recognising that little is present in the literature to support conclusively this belief, this paper discusses the main issues that arise when trying to assess the impact of open public sector data on innovation and growth in the private sector. The authors focus in particular on the impact of publicly accessible spatial environmental information on small and medium enterprises, presenting some research questions and proposing a research strategy to address them.

Keywords: open data access; innovation; spatial data infrastructures; spatial environmental information; impact assessment; public sector information; causal links; resource accessibility; economic development; public sector data; growth; private sector; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; technology management; environment; business; sustainability; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2012.049109

International Journal of Technology Management, 2012 Vol.60 No.1/2, pp.114 - 129

Published online: 06 Apr 2013 *

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