Background: By creating ecosystems around platforms of Open Source Software (OSS) and Open Data (OD), and adopting open collaborative development practices, platform providers may exploit open innovation benefits. However, adopting such practices in a traditionally closed organization is a maturity process that we hypothesize cannot be undergone without friction. Objective: This study aims to investigate what challenges may occur for a newly-turned platform provider in the public sector, aiming to adopt open collaborative practices to create an ecosystem around the development of the underpinning platform. Method: An exploratory case-study is conducted at a Swedish public sector platform provider, which is creating an ecosystem around OSS and OD, related to the labor market. Data is collected through interviews, document studies, and prolonged engagement. Results: Findings highlight a fear among developers of being publicly questioned for their work, as they represent a government agency undergoing constant scrutiny. Issue trackers, roadmaps, and development processes are generally closed, while multiple channels are used for communication, causing internal and external confusion. Some developers are reluctant to communicate externally as they believe it interferes with their work. Lack of health metrics limits possibilities to follow ecosystem growth and for actors to make investment decisions. Further, an autonomous team structure is reported to complicate internal communication and enforcement of the common vision, as well as collaboration. A set of interventions for addressing the challenges are proposed, based on related work. Conclusions: We conclude that several cultural, organizational, and process-related challenges may reside, and by understanding these early on, platform providers can be preemptive in their work of building healthy ecosystems.
翻译:背景:通过围绕开放源码软件(OSS)和开放数据(OD)平台创建生态系统,并采用开放合作发展做法,平台提供方可以利用开放型开发做法,利用开放型创新的好处;然而,在传统上封闭的组织中采用此类做法,是一个成熟过程,我们假设没有摩擦就无法进行。 目标:本研究旨在调查公共部门新翻版的平台提供方可能遇到什么挑战,目的是采用开放型合作做法,围绕基础平台的开发建立一个生态系统。方法:在瑞典一个健康的公共部门平台提供方进行探索性案例研究,该平台正在创造与劳动力市场有关的开放源码软件和OD生态系统。数据是通过访谈、文件研究和长期接触来收集的。结果:结果显示,由于开发方代表着一个不断接受审查的政府机构,因此他们担心会受到公开质疑。 问题跟踪器、路线图和发展进程一般是封闭的,同时使用多种渠道进行沟通,造成内部和外部混乱。一些开发方不愿对外沟通,因为他们认为这与其工作有关。 缺乏健康指标限制了跟踪生态系统增长和行为者做出早期投资决定的可能性。 数据是通过访谈、文件收集的自主团队结论,从而得出了共同愿景。