An integrated understanding of open data entrepreneurship for start-ups in the digital economy

Purpose This paper aims to develop an integrated understanding of open data as a source of digital entrepreneurship for start-up entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted qualitative case study research design within the interpretivist research worldview. The author conducted 24 online semi-structured interviews with start-up Chief Executive Officers, founders and co-founders in Malaysia. Interview transcripts were coded inductively through thematic analysis by using NVivo 12 software. Then, the author developed a theoretical model based on research findings. Findings Three essential components of the proposed model include the dynamic relationship between data owners and start-up entrepreneurs, the critical importance of open data enablers for greater entrepreneurial effects and the roles of broader contexts such as policies and infrastructure readiness. Surprisingly, the research found two emerging open data enablers from the interviews: a sandbox program and a quadruple helix partnership. Joining a sandbox program allowed a HealthTech start-up to collaborate with regulatory partners. A quadruple helix partnership enabled this start-up to collaborate with industry, academia, government and civil society. Also, the study came across a local open data movement initiated by a start-up association. One of the agendas of this movement was to urge the government to prioritize the disclosure of open data API in the public sector. Practical implications Open data scholars can explore the proposed model further for future studies. Policymakers can integrate a sandbox program and quadruple helix collaboration to nurture open data innovation. Also, there is a need to strengthen laws and regulations to inspire confidence in the ethical use of open data for innovation and entrepreneurship. Originality/value Previous research has considered open data for entrepreneurial benefits. However, there is a lack of an integrated model on this subject. Hence, this study offers a novel integrated model to understand open data entrepreneurship for start-ups in the data economy.