Bridging the Gap: Unravelling Local Government Data Sharing Barriers in Estonia and Beyond

Abstract: Open Government Data (OGD) plays a crucial role in transforming smart cities into sustainable and intelligent entities by providing data for analytics, real-time monitoring, and informed decision-making. This data is increasingly used in urban digital twins, enhancing city management through stakeholder collaboration. However, local administrative data remains underutilized even in digitally advanced countries like Estonia. This study explores barriers preventing Estonian municipalities from sharing OGD, using a qualitative approach through interviews with Estonian municipalities and drawing on the OGD-adapted Innovation Resistance Theory model (IRT). Interviews with local government officials highlight ongoing is-sues in data provision and quality. By addressing overlooked weaknesses in the Estonian open data ecosystem and providing actionable recommendations, this research contributes to a more resilient and sustainable open data ecosystem. Additionally, by validating the OGD-adapted Innovation Resistance Theory model and proposing a revised version tailored for local government contexts, the study advances theoretical frameworks for understanding data sharing resistance. Ultimately, this study serves as a call to action for policymakers and practitioners to prioritize local OGD initiatives, ensuring the full utilization of OGD in smart city development.