Skip to Main Content
HBS Home
  • About
  • Academic Programs
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Research
  • Baker Library
  • Giving
  • Harvard Business Review
  • Initiatives
  • News
  • Recruit
  • Map / Directions
Faculty & Research
  • Faculty
  • Research
  • Featured Topics
  • Academic Units
  • …→
  • Harvard Business School→
  • Faculty & Research→
Publications
Publications
  • May 2010 (Revised May 2010)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Data.gov

By: Karim R. Lakhani, Robert D. Austin and Yumi Yi
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:20
ShareBar

Abstract

This case presents the logic and execution underlying the launch of Data.gov, an instantiation of President Obama's initiative for transparency and open government. The process used by Vivek Kundra, the federal CIO, and his team to rapidly develop the website and to make available high-value data sets for reuse is highlighted. The case recounts Kundra's experience at the state and local government levels in developing open data initiatives and the application of that experience to the federal government. The case demonstrates the benefits of making government data available in terms of both engaged citizens and the potential for new innovations from the private sector. Potential drawbacks of open access including security and privacy issues are illustrated. Issues related to the role of government in releasing data and the balance between accountability and private-sector innovation are explored.      

Keywords

Safety; Rights; Analytics and Data Science; Internet and the Web; Ethics; Cost vs Benefits; Innovation and Management; Information Management; Public Administration Industry; Information Industry; United States

Citation

Lakhani, Karim R., Robert D. Austin, and Yumi Yi. "Data.gov." Harvard Business School Case 610-075, May 2010. (Revised May 2010.)
  • Educators
  • Purchase

About The Author

Karim R. Lakhani

Technology and Operations Management
→More Publications

Related Work

    • January 2019
    • Faculty Research

    Data.gov (Abridged)

    By: Karim R. Lakhani, Robert D. Austin and Yumi Yi
Related Work
  • Data.gov (Abridged) By: Karim R. Lakhani, Robert D. Austin and Yumi Yi
ǁ
Campus Map
Harvard Business School
Soldiers Field
Boston, MA 02163
→Map & Directions
→More Contact Information
  • Make a Gift
  • Site Map
  • Jobs
  • Harvard University
  • Trademarks
  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Digital Accessibility
Copyright © President & Fellows of Harvard College