What drives open development? A mixed-methods expert study from Egypt with implications for emerging economies

Abstract

This article develops an exploratory expert-based perceptual model of the perceived drivers of open development in Egypt using a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Quantitative data from 203 expert respondents (Likert-scale survey) are integrated with 30 in-depth interviews across government, academic, private-sector, and civil-society organisations through an explicit joint display. Anchored in Sen's capability approach—extended through the critical capability lens and informed by data-justice and openwashing critiques, the study examines six dimensions of openness. Within-dimension regression analyses (R² = 0.707–0.810) identify community participation as the strongest perceptual predictor (β = 0.377), while qualitative findings identify Arabic-content scarcity, civic-space constraints, and urban–rural divides as binding capability conversion factors. The study contributes a context-sensitive analytical template for openness research in politically mediated emerging economies.