When a Civil Society Initiative Becomes a Tool to Justify the Government

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 84-99
Author(s):  
Palina Prysmakova
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
European Commission ◽  
Open Source ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Open Government ◽  
The Public ◽  
Multiple Levels ◽  
The Government ◽  
Better Than

The question of utility of open data and related civil society initiatives depends on whom we consider a beneficiary in each particular case. The article provides a recent example of a civil society initiative that addressed the openness of procurement practices across the nations of European Union and its neighboring partners. Analyzing the project against Open Government Working Group's principles of open data, the article demonstrates that it indeed improved some levels of procurement data openness. Meanwhile, despite some utility of the project for the European Commission, the analysis suggests rather low utility for the public at large. The article suggests that, (1) utility has multiple levels, and some data in an open source is better than none; (2) data has to be understandable to have any utility for final consumers; and otherwise, the only utility achieved is the legitimization of the current governmental practices instead of their improvement

scholarly journals Data, Dialogue, and Innovation: Opportunities and Challenges for “Open Government” in Canada

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Roy
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Open Government ◽  
The Public ◽  
Networked Governance ◽  
Systemic Innovation ◽  
The Government ◽  
Government Of Canada ◽  
The One

In a rapidly evolving online environment where the inter-relationship between information and innovation is evolving from primarily closed and inward structures to much more open and networked governance arrangements, the public sector faces growing pressures and new opportunities to reform and adapt. Open data and big data are now widely embraced initiatives to spur innovation both inside of and outside of the public sector. Their capacity to foster innovation is nonetheless shaped by critical tensions between traditional government structures and culture on the one hand and more open and participative notions of governance on the other hand. Within such a context, this article examines the current Government of Canada Open Government Action Plan and its three main dimensions: information, data, and dialogue. The analysis reveals that despite some progress in the realm of open data, information and dialogue are constrained by the aforementioned tensions and the need for wider reforms to various architectural facets of the public sector – administratively, technologically, politically, and socially. Across each of these layers, we consider the sorts of wider reforms required in order to facilitate systemic innovation within the government and across sectors.

scholarly journals The Diffusion of ICT for Corruption Detection in Open Government Data

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darusalam Darusalam ◽  
Jamaliah Said ◽  
Normah Omar ◽  
Marijn Janssen ◽  
Kazi Sohag
Keyword(s):  
Open Data ◽  
Open Government ◽  
Reference Architecture ◽  
The Public ◽  
Open Government Data ◽  
Data Driven Approach ◽  
Government Data ◽  
The Government ◽  
Different Sources ◽  
Insight Into

Corruption occurs in many places within the government. To tackle the issue, open data can be used as one of the tools in creating more insight into the government. The premise of this paper is to support the notion that data opening can bring up new ways of fighting corruption. The current paper aimed at investigating how open data can be employed to detect corruption. This open data is trivial due to challenges like information asymmetry among stakeholders, data might only be opened partly, different sources of data need to be combined, and data might not be easy to use, might be biased or even manipulated. The study was conducted using a literature review approach. The reviews implied that corruption can be detected using Open Government Data, Thus, by conducting the open data technique within the government, the public could monitor the activities of the governments. The practical contribution of this paper is expected to assist the government in detecting corruption by using a data-driven approach. Furthermore, the scientific contribution will originate from the development of a framework reference architecture to uncover corruption cases.

MECHANISM OF PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES AS AN ESSENTIAL FACTOR OF SELF-ORGANIZATION OF SOCIETY AND CIVIL INITIATIVE

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kosukhina K.V.
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Self Organization ◽  
Essential Factor ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Government

The article is devoted to the analysis of the development of public initiatives in Ukraine, as well as their role in building a dialogue between the government and civil society. The connection of the public initiative with the provision of social services is considered. The interaction of civil society institutions with public authorities is determined.

ANALYSIS OF THE NATURE OF THE EUROPEAN DIGITAL TAX IN COMPARISON WITH THE CURRENT VAT SYSTEM AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY AND MANAGEMENT OF ECONOMIC ENTITIES

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 42-48
Author(s):  
S. V. ZAYTSEV ◽  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
European Commission ◽  
Value Added ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Value Added Tax ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Digital Services ◽  
The Many

In March 2018 the European Commission presented a proposal to adopt a digital services tax (DST) on certain types of revenues of multinational digital Companies. The purpose of the digital services tax is to compensate in the short term for the low level of corporate taxation of these companies in the European Union and thus meet the urgent need of civil society for greater tax fairness. DST is presented as an indirect tax on turnover and is often compared to value-added tax (VAT). In this article, the author seeks to highlight the many differences that exist between the harmonized European Union VAT and the new DST. In addition, the author challenges the idea that the DST will actually be an indirect tax and, most importantly, that it will effectively increase tax justice in the European Union.

Asymmetric Open Government Data (OGD) framework in India

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 434-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuti Saxena
Keyword(s):  
Economic Value ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Open Government ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Indian States ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Open Government Data ◽  
Government Data ◽  
The Government

Purpose With the ongoing drives towards Open Government Data (OGD) initiatives across the globe, governments have been keen on pursuing their OGD policies to ensure transparency, collaboration and efficiency in administration. As a developing country, India has recently adopted the OGD policy (www.data.gov.in); however, the percolation of this policy in the States has remained slow. This paper aims to underpin the “asymmetry” in OGD framework as far as the Indian States are concerned. Besides, the study also assesses the contribution of “Open Citizens” in furthering the OGD initiatives of the country. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory qualitative following a case study approach informs the present study using documentary analysis where evidentiary support from five Indian States (Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Sikkim and Gujarat) is being drawn to assess the nature and scope of the OGD framework. Further, conceptualization for “Open Citizen” framework is provided to emphasize upon the need to have aware, informed and pro-active citizens to spearhead the OGD initiatives in the country. Findings While the National OGD portal has a substantial number of data sets across different sectors, the States are lagging behind in the adoption and implementation of OGD policies, and while Telangana and Sikkim have been the frontrunners in adoption of OGD policies in a rudimentary manner, others are yet to catch up with them. Further, there is “asymmetry” in terms of the individual contribution of the government bodies to the open data sets where some government bodies are more reluctant to share their datasets than the others. Practical implications It is the conclusion of the study that governments need to institutionalize the OGD framework in the country, and all the States should appreciate the requirement of adopting a robust OGD policy for furthering transparency, collaboration and efficiency in administration. Social implications As an “Open Citizen”, it behooves upon the citizens to be pro-active and contribute towards the open data sets which would go a long way in deriving social and economic value out of these data sets. Originality/value While there are many studies on OGD in the West, studies focused upon the developing countries are starkly lacking. This study plugs this gap by attempting a comparative analysis of the OGD frameworks across Indian States. Besides, the study has provided a conceptualization of “Open Citizen” (OGD) which may be tapped for further research in developing and developed countries to ascertain the linkage between OGD and OC.

scholarly journals Potential of open data in the Czech Republic

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Boubin
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Czech Republic ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
The Government ◽  
Further Development

The paper Potential of open data in the Czech Republic deals with the current situation of open data government and autonomous institutions in the Czech Republic in comparison with other European Union countries (Great Britain, France, Belgium, Austria, Estonia, ...) and defines the possibilities of open data economic development of the Czech Republic. Methodology of the paper includes a search resources dealing with the issue of open data in the Czech Republic and the European Union, comparing the obtained data, the analysis of obtained data and draft of recommendations for further development. The first part is an evaluation of the current situation and the situation compared with other EU countries. Further conditions for further development and evaluation of the potential of open data for the Czech Republic. The final section of the paper deals with evaluation of possibilities open application data management processes of companies in the Czech Republic in terms of strategic and innovation management. The result is an overview of the potential use of open data in the context of economic development and an estimate of the trend in applications open at the government level.

Why Do National Cybersecurity Awareness Programmes Often Fail?

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 18-27
Author(s):  
Eva NAGYFEJEO ◽  
Basie Von SOLMS
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
National Level ◽  
The Public ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Cyber Space ◽  
Awareness Raising ◽  
The Government ◽  
Basic Level

Nowadays, many cyber users do not understand how to protect themselves and their information within cyber space. One reason is that cyber users are unaware of possible cyber risks and threats that may occur within cyber space. The second reason is that citizens, businesses and users within the public sector may be aware of relevant cyber risks but do not really understand the seriousness of such risks and the consequences if they do realise. Therefore, cybersecurity awareness campaigns are an integral part of improving cybersecurity awareness. Based on in-country reviews conducted as part of the Global Cybersecurity Capacity Centre (GCSCC) programme, we observed that the campaigns to raise cybersecurity awareness throughout the country are often led by different ‘owners’ without co-ordination and adequate resources therefore creating fragmentation in the national cybersecurity awareness raising programme. This paper suggests that the development of a coordinated and coherent national cybersecurity awareness program is critical for building a basic level of aware-ness at the national level. We will examine the requirements needed to develop a coordinated national awareness raising programme by reviewing the existing literature, best practice approaches and the role of different stakeholders such as the government, private sector and civil society. We will draw conclusions on the main obstacles to ensure overall coherence between the actions of stakeholders and the efforts countries should prioritise in order to increase awareness of cyber risks at the national level.

Datos abiertos y reutilización en el contexto de la Estrategia europea de datos

Tábula ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 201-213
Author(s):  
Julián Valero Torrijos
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Regulatory Framework ◽  
Open Government ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Public Sector Information ◽  
Significant Process ◽  
Datos Abiertos

En los últimos años hemos asistido a un importante proceso de modernización tecnológica en España que ha afectado a las Administraciones Públicas. Más allá de las limitaciones en la regulación, en este proceso se percibe la importancia de los datos en general y de los datos abiertos en particular como uno de los ejes principales para reforzar las exigencias y principios del Gobierno Abierto. En esta ponencia se pretende analizar la evolución del marco normativo aplicable en España y ponerlo en relación con las recientes iniciativas que está impulsando la Unión Europea para promocionar la reutilización de la información del sector público y los datos abiertos. In the last few years we have witnessed a significant process of technological modernisation in Spain that has impacted on Public Administrations. Beyond the limitations in the regulation, in this process the importance of data and open data particularly is perceived as one of the main axes to strengthen the requirements and principles of Open Government. This lecture aims to analyse the evolution of the regulatory framework applicable in Spain and to connect it with the recent initiatives being promoted by the European Union to foster the reuse of public sector information and open data.

The Epistemic Problem of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Necessary Information Policy

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Ikbal Maulana
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Information Policy ◽  
Civil Society Organization ◽  
Sufficient Data ◽  
The Public ◽  
The World ◽  
Familiar World ◽  
The Government

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted personal, social, and economic lives of millions of people around the world. It has taken the familiar world away from everyone. The pandemic is in large part an epistemic problem caused by the invisible contagious virus. Its invisibility can make people ignorant of the threat and spread of the virus. Government and public need scientists to identify and understand the problem of COVID-19. While the latter do not have complete knowledge to cure the disease, they are more knowledgeable to inform the government how to prevent the pandemic from getting worse. Appropriate government intervention requires a thorough investigation involving frequent and massive data collection, which is too expensive for developing countries. Without sufficient data, any government claim and intervention are questionable. The government can compensate the insufficiency of data by acquiring data and information from other sources, such as civil society organization and the public.

scholarly journals Policy, trade, economic, and technological aspects of improving nutrient intake and lifestyles in the European Union

2001 ◽  
Vol 4 (2a) ◽  
pp. 325-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Hautvast ◽  
Ibrahim Elmadfa ◽  
Mike Rayner
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
European Union ◽  
European Commission ◽  
European Community ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Public ◽  
Nutrition Labelling ◽  
Nutrition Committee ◽  
The Eu

Summary of recommendations1.A new Nutrition Committee for the European Union1.1 A new Nutrition Committee for the European Union, should be created to give independent scientific and policy advice on nutrition, diets and physical activity to the Commission. This should be supported by a strengthened Nutritional Unit within the Commission.2.Policy development2.1 There needs to be a comprehensive and coherent nutritional policy for the EU2.2 The development of European dietary goals should continue after the completion of the Eurodiet Project.2.3 The European Commission should revise its Recommended Daily Allowances for vitamins and minerals using a systematic, evidence-based approach. Recommended Daily Allowances should be set at a level which would prevent deficiencies and lower the risk of disease.2.4 The European Commission should produce, preferably every four years, a report on the state of nutrition, diet and physical activity in the EU. This report should contain proposals for action3.Components of a nutrition policyEducation3.1 The European Commission should not be involved in the direct delivery of lifestyle advice to the public.3.2 The European Commission should continue to support networks whose members are involved in educating the public and in training professionals about nutrition, diets and physical activity.Research3.3 European Community funding of health-related research should better reflect the Community's public health priorities.3.4 The European Community should ear-mark funds for large, multi-centre studies into nutrition, diet and physical activity with a duration of up to 10 years.Consumer protectionFood labelling3.5 The European Commission should draw up proposals for the regulation of health claims.3.6 The European Community should agree rules for the use of nutrition claims along the lines agreed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.3.7 The European Commission should review the 1990 Nutrition Labelling Directive particularly with a view to making nutrition labelling more comprehensible and it should encourage the development of other ways of providing consumers with information about the nutrient content of foods though, for example, the Internet.Food composition3.8 The European Commission should review the Novel Food Regulations, particularly with a view to ensuring that the nutritional consequences of consuming novel foods are better assessed and to making approval procedures more efficient.3.9 European Community rules on food fortification and on food supplements should be harmonised but in such a way that the interests of consumers are paramount.Agriculture policy3.10 The Common Agriculture Policy should be subject to a regular and systematic health impact assessment.3.11 Given that there are subsidies under the Common Agricultural Policy designed to increase consumption of surplus food, these should be directed towards promoting the consumption of foods for which there is strong evidence of a need for increased consumption in the EU for health reasons.Special issuesFruit and vegetable consumption3.12 The promotion of increased fruit and vegetable consumption across the EU should be a key aspect of the European Union's proposed nutrition policy.Breast feeding3.13 The European Union should review its policy on breast feeding including assessing and, if necessary, improving its legislation on breast milk substitutes and maternity leave.Physical Activity3.14 The European Union should have a policy for promoting physical activity in Europe. This should be part of, or at least closely integrated with, the European Union's proposed nutritional policy.

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