Abstract: Purpose/Significance As the key content of the reform of the market-based allocation of data elements, the market-based allocation of government data can effectively activate the economic value of government data and promote the development of the digital economy, but there are conceptual ambiguities and misunderstandings in practice and research. Design/Methodology Based on theoretical research, policy logic and practical cases, the market-based allocation of government data is systematically discussed from the three dimensions of conceptual connotation, methods exploration and innovative approaches. Conclusions/Findings The market-based allocation of government data takes the market as the fundamental adjustment mechanism, and promotes the transformation of government data with the attribute of “factors of production” from administrative allocation to market-oriented allocation; its allocation mainly includes authorized operation of government data, government data franchise development and application, data exchange transactions and government data asset certificates. And there are differences between the four allocation methods. In the future development, efforts should be made to accelerate the market-oriented allocation of government data from four aspects: clear system, data rights confirmation, scenario innovation and technical support.