City data ecosystems between theory and practice: A qualitative exploratory study in seven European cities

Abstract The exponential growth of data collection opens possibilities for analyzing to address political and societal challenges. Still, European cities are not utilizing the potential generated by its citizens, industries, academia, public authorities their service mission. reasons complex relate an intertwined set organizational, technological, legal barriers, although good practices exist that could be scaled, sustained, further developed. article contributes research on data-driven innovation in sector comparing high-level expectations ecosystems with actual sharing at local regional level. Our approach consists triangulating analysis in-depth interviews representatives administrations documents obtained from cities. investigated experiences perspectives regarding establishing a or ecosystem. examines obstacles within seven investigating what currently prevents establishment ecosystems. findings summarized along three main lines. First, limited involvement private organizations as actors through emerging forms became evident. Second, we observed concern over technological aspects lack attention social organizational issues. Third, conceptual decision apply centralized federated digital infrastructure is noteworthy.