In order to analyze the first steps of the Open Government Data policy in the City of Buenos Aires, as well as in many other cases, it is necessary to understand the role of policy entrepreneurs (within and outside the public administration) in the implementation of innovative ideas.

Policy entrepreneurs, according to Kingdon, are able to identify and use "windows of opportunity" to promote changes in policy environments. (Kingdon 1984) In this context, as in other areas, opportunities must be early recognized in order to achieve the desired outcomes. These early advocates for change can be found inside the public sector, outside the public sector, or in both areas. The latter is the case of the OGD policy in Buenos Aires. Even more, in the City of Buenos Aires, the Open Government Data policy can be attributed to a combination of three elements: 1) "entrepreneurs" within the public sector, 2) “entrepreneurs” outside the public sector, and along with 3) a stream of ideas emerging from some countries of the northern hemisphere.

Author: Silvana Fumega
Year Publication: 2014
Publisher: Open Data Research Network

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