In the context of the study which we will present at the workshop (Brussels October 27th), we did a survey of developers.
This survey received so far few answers (only 17) and is still open, but the early results are insightful.
82% of civic hackers do it voluntarily, without financial rewards or funding. Only one receives government funding. However this is possible because their costs are in 80% of the cases below 1000 Euros per year.
In terms of drivers, 90% are motivated by identifying a need not yet covered, and 80% by the desire to make a difference, and 40% for visibility. Money plays a minor role.
60% say that the main obstacle is non-availability of public data. Costs and business models instead are mentioned by a minority (18% and 29%). About one-third mentions lack of interest by the public as a problem.
Government attitude has generally been indifferent (50%). Only 18% defines it as supportive. None however defines it “hostile”.
Finally, the profile. 85% men; 94% with university degree (29% with Phd); 87% between 25-44 years old; half employed and half self-employed.
I found these results very insightful. They are available as open data here.
If you are a developer, please fill the survey so that we can have a more accurate picture. You have time until the end of October.
Hey David. If useful I’ve some data from a 2010 survey covering some of the same ground with around 60 full responses that should cover this area available here:
http://www.practicalparticipation.co.uk/odi/survey/
Thanks Tim, this is interesting but couldn’t find out whether your analysis confirms this. You list a number of drivers but do not understand which ones are more important, and whether they confirm my conclusions here. What’s your view?
PS would be great to have you at the workshop
[...] In particular, IT skills belong to a small minority of the population, largely composed by cultivated young men. [...]