Enhancing the Adoption of E-Government Systems through Open Government and Open Government Data (OGD) Initiatives in Qatar

Abstract

The present study aimed to analyze the status of e-government in developing countries, and particularly at Qatar. It also aimed to analyze the status of Open Government Data (OGD) in Qatar in order to identify the main motives that prompted the Qatari government to launch Open Government Data initiatives. In order to cover the research objectives effectively; the researcher used two main methods in order to cover the study objectives. The researcher used the qualitative method to achieve the goals of the study optimally and by reference to all sources on the subject of the study of previous studies, books and references. The researcher also used the analytical method through analyzing the status of e-government in developing countries, and particularly at Qatar. It also aims to analyze the status of Open Government Data (OGD) in Qatar in order to identify the main motives that prompted the Qatari government to launch Open Government Data initiatives. The research concluded that although Qatar is trying to develop e-government systems in various citizen transactions, and while trying to keep pace with the developed countries in the development of open data, Qatar still needs many steps and initiatives to promote e-government by relying on Open Government Data. The reliance of Qatar's Government on open data would encourage individuals to participate in decision-making, facilitate citizens' access to the required information, and increase citizen adoption of e-government. The research also concluded that Open Government Data (OGD) represents a new stage in activating the implementation of the e-government of Qatar, as it helps in achieving the basic objectives that the e-government seeks to achieve. The application of OGD initiatives may be a challenge for developing countries, due to several reasons, such as poor coordination among various government agencies, poor quality of published data, and the absence of laws and regulations that govern and control the nature of such initiatives. The research recommended in developing an Open Government Data strategy. This strategy will represent the road map for the Qatari government to activate the application of OGD initiatives.  The research also recommended in establishing a framework for OGD, develop a legislative framework for OGD initiatives to control these initiatives and raise their success rate and enhancing the use of Web 2.0 regarding its significant benefits, since this web allowing the user for data modification and access to it when needed.

Keywords: e-government, Open Government, Open Government Data (OGD).