Understanding the dynamic mechanism of interagency government data sharing

Interagency government data sharing plays an important role in promoting the coordination of government departments and improving public services. Under the guidance of a theoretical framework that combines the force-field theory of change and the theory of mechanism, this study conducted a case study on two Chinese urban governments and built a dynamic mechanism model for IGDS. The model consists of six forces acting on IGDS, as well as their activities, effects and interactions. Some effects of them are context-dependent. This model can be used to explain the reasons of various barriers to IGDS and thus to guide government departments and policy makers design more specific and targeted dynamic mechanisms to promote IGDS. Finally, several mechanisms were discussed in the context of policy making.