Modelling the Cost of Open Data

Abstract

The basic principle of Open Data is that data should be freely available to the public to use it without restrictions from copyright or other mechanisms of control. Open Data has benefits including improvements in transparency, productivity, integrity, and accountability. However, at what cost do these benefits come? Relatively little work has been done in quantifying the costs of Open Data in comparison to quantifying the benefits. In this paper we provide a case study on the Open Data initiatives within the City of Gold Coast council. We provide a detailed analysis and description of the processes and people involved in opening data sets and provide estimates for the time involved for each participant in the process. We also explore methods to reduce the time and costs involved through the use of automation. By providing cost models for the Open Data process, organisations will be better equipped to formulate and budget for Open Data strategies