Institutional data governance and open government challenges in public universities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36428/revistadacgu.v18i33.968Keywords:
data governance, public universities, digital maturity, data quality, institutional transparencyAbstract
The growing production of data in the university environment expands opportunities for transparency, research, innovation, and evidence-based management, while also posing institutional challenges related to governance, data quality, and effective use. In this context, this study aims to describe and compare, based on publicly available documentary evidence, the degree of institutionalization of open data governance in public universities in the state of Bahia, Brazil, drawing on previously defined analytical categories to identify maturity patterns, organizational gaps, and recurring challenges to the consolidation of these initiatives. The methodological approach consists of a structured documentary analysis of institutional policies, development plans, digital portals, and public records, complemented by analytical instruments addressing data maturity and quality, as well as open data format categories. This approach allows the characterization of initiatives based on what is formally institutionalized and publicly disclosed, without resorting to normative assessments or technical audits. The results indicate a relatively homogeneous pattern across institutions, characterized by compliance with basic transparency mechanisms but low levels of governance institutionalization, limitations in technical standardization, weaknesses in data quality management, and limited integration of data use into institutional practices. The main limitations identified are associated with organizational dimensions, such as unclear responsibilities, limited intersectoral coordination, and the absence of continuous monitoring and improvement cycles. As its main contribution, the study proposes an integrated governance model oriented toward operational transparency, informed management, interoperability, and the social use of data, providing an analytical reference for institutional policy design and strategic planning in public universities.
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