Does Open Government Data Improve Public Service Quality? A Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on the Launch of Open Government Data Platforms in China

Open government data (OGD) is a crucial tool for improving public service quality (PSQ). Nevertheless, the precise impact and potential mechanisms of OGD on PSQ are unclear. The launch of Chinese OGD platform is considered a quasi-natural experiment. Based on panel data from 290 cities in China from 2009 to 2022, the multi-period difference-in-difference method was used to study the impact of OGD on PSQ. The findings show that OGD platforms have significantly improved urban PSQ in the short term; however, the positive effects are not significant in the long term. The potential mechanism is that OGD affects PSQ by enhancing government transparency and promoting citizen participation. Furthermore, the positive effects of OGD platforms on PSQ are only seen in regions with high levels of transparency. The findings have important implications for increasing the value of government data elements and deepening the construction of public service systems.