# Linked Open Government Data: Still a Viable Option for Sharing and Integrating Public Data?
## 8 Discussion and Conclusions
On the other hand, if the complexities and constraints--both cultural and economic--associated with data publication are deemed excessive or burdensome, administrations may either refrain from publishing or release data in a suboptimal manner (e.g., using flat formats, ad hoc terminology, or exhibiting inconsistency). Consequently, users stand to lose most, if not all, of the benefits offered by OGD. Simplicity in publishing should not compromise the provision of easily interpretable data. For instance, sidestepping the responsibility of offering precise semantics through shared vocabularies imposes additional challenges on consumers when it comes to data integration--perhaps by resorting to guesswork regarding the original data semantics and misusing the information. Striking the right balance between data publishers and consumers is crucial. Linked data, in this sense, provides the tool for preserving the original semantics of data, playing on the side of fostering the adoption of standard vocabularies and explicit links between datasets provided by distinct providers. It eases splitting some of the efforts required for ETL among publishers and consumers, but the extent of the split for each of the different players needs to be balanced differently depending on the nature and origin of the data. Although the analysis in response to RQ2 (Table 2) indicates that the majority of LOGD works primarily to address technical and organizational issues, it is crucial not to underestimate the influence of social, legislative, and economic factors. The challenges identified are frequently addressed either through specific, ad hoc solutions or, as noted by some authors, solutions deemed too general. These solutions primarily pertained to technical and methodological aspects, with occasional considerations for legislative or social factors. However, these solutions only partially succeeded in advancing LOGD practices. In our assessment, both research and government agencies often lacked the holistic perspective necessary to unlock the potential of LD for OGD. Despite its challenges, adopting an integrated approach that comprehensively addresses various dimensions of OGD is indispensable. Any integrated approach in the OGD domain, however, should keep in mind the tensions discussed and decide the appropriate trade-off to the target open data initiative. Our analysis of LOGD attrition and success stories, coupled with broader insights derived from OGD best practices, suggests the following recommendations as key components of such an approach. _Establish robust data governance_ to foster a culture of openness and elaborate clear policies, by championing organizational structures that streamline LOGD workflows, ensuring seamless navigation through the bureaucratic and cultural challenges prevalent in government contexts. _Identify High Value Datasets_. As recognized by the EU Commission, certain subsets of government data are more strategic than others. In this context, identifying priority data and establishing a suitable budget is paramount to ensure cohesive approaches and avoid financial inefficiencies. Given their relevance, it is reasonable to expect that the quality of these datasets would be particularly well cared for, facilitating their seamless integration into LOGD. Moreover, the capability to integrate High Value Datasets from various thematic fields through LD can be a powerful driver for maximizing their value. _Cultivate stakeholders engagement_ also by anchoring the _development of targeted guidelines_ in real-world use cases. Guidelines should be specifically crafted for LOGD. This includes the provision of tangible examples and an intricate consideration of non-functional requirements, reinforcing a comprehensive approach directly applicable to day-to-day operations. Tailoring guidelines to address specific user needs and challenges ensures practical relevance and effectiveness.