The growing awareness among Open Government Data (OGD) researchers and practitioners that open data initiatives do not automatically lead to reuse has highlighted the need to understand potential reusers. Addressing the issue of low OGD reuse, this thesis answers the research question “What are the needs and capabilities of digital development SMEs in the Azores to leverage Open Government Data (OGD) for developing innovative products and services?". Through a survey strategy employing semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis for depth and detail of understanding, this study investigates the readiness and challenges of SMEs in this outermost European region, where the government is about to launch an OGD initiative. The findings reveal that while Azorean digital development SMEs possess sufficient technical capabilities, they face significant business-related limitations, including talent retention, partnership establishment, and financial and geographical constraints. This research contributes valuable insights specific to the Azorean context, offering a framework that can be adapted for similar studies in other regions. The study underscores the necessity of understanding user needs and capabilities to maximize the impact of OGD initiatives, thereby supporting regional innovation and economic growth.