Information Polity

Khayyat, Mashael; Bannister, Frank

2017 Information Polity

doi: 10.3233/IP-170406

In recent years there have been initiatives in many countries which seek to encourage and facilitate co-creation using Open Government Data (OGD). This article describes a research project whose objectives were to investigate the factors that contribute to creating a vibrant co-creation ecosystem built around the use of OGD and to build a model which participants can use as a framework for aiding in co-creation processes. To develop this model multiple case studies are used to investigate the nature of co-creation using OGD in the greater Dublin area. The different dimensions of OGD, as perceived by various stakeholders in co-creation projects, are explored with a view to establishing what facilitates co-creation activities. The stakeholders include the OGD publishers (in this case the four local authorities in the greater Dublin area) and various communities and community groups such as academics, volunteers, voluntary organizations as well as a number of government agencies and commercial organizations. Adopting a modified version of Activity Theory (AT) as a framework, the research uses a wide range of data sources including documents, analysis of web sites, participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the latter is carried out using thematic analysis. From these, a model for encouraging, fostering and enabling the development of co-creation projects in local communities is proposed.

Ruijer, Erna H.J.M.; Martinius, Evelijn

2017 Information Polity

doi: 10.3233/IP-170413

This systematic literature review examines the impact of open government data on democratic societies. The paper uses a multidimensional operationalization of democracy, concentrating on monitorial, deliberative and participatory processes. It presents expected and found impact of open government data on democratic processes, an overview of the indicators used to measure impact and challenges of realizing impact. The results show that so far limited empirical studies have been conducted regarding the impact of open data on democratic processes. Furthermore, the empirical studies show mixed results and use a broad variety of indicators to measure the impact of OGD. Challenges identified are related to data skills, representation and diversity. More research is necessary especially regarding the impact of open data on deliberative processes and the impact of open data for citizens.

Sanina, Anna; Balashov, Aleksey; Rubtcova, Mariia; Satinsky, Daniel M.

2017 Information Polity

doi: 10.3233/IP-170415

This study is based on the observation that the theoretical literature examining how government can improve the efficiency of its communication with business audiences has paid only limited attention to the technical (or formal) organization of the communicative process. The paper presents a quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of the use of different communication channels and of the use of multi-channel communication strategies. In doing so, it introduces the concept of “communicative result” as the criteria for measuring efficiency. It further compares the technical parameters of different channels in terms of their reliability, speed, and effectiveness. It considers the impact of cultural factors on the efficiency of communication channels. It presents a data-driven framework for evaluating and developing efficient government communication channels within specific national, cultural conditions.Using the data collected in Russia, the paper presents how the most widely used government communication channels for voluntary, inter-active communication with business audiences actually work in practice. The empirical research draws from 1,065 individual government uses of specific channels to reach small, medium and large-scale business. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variation (ANOVA) and correlation analysis of channel complementarity and effectiveness. The study also explores the patterns of use of channels by businesses characterized as having different levels of innovation status and as operating with different levels of oversight or regulation by government.Utilizing the overall theoretical framework and the specific information provided from studies in Russia, the paper presents some specific characteristics of the use of communication channels by Russian business, as well as a number of internationally relevant issues. It finds that: (1) Personal contact, either directly or through known intermediary acquaintances is the most efficient means of communicating with Russian business. (2) The smaller the number of steps in the communication chain, the quicker the response achieved. (3) Use of “mediated contact” is more important in reaching most types of businesses in Russia that in other countries. (4) Government organizations need to select the proper composition of various communication channels to achieve the most efficient results. (5) Just as in the study of any other communication, consolidation of the technical characteristics of communication channels and empirical data should be used to review the efficiency of government and business interactive communications.

Vidiasova, Lyudmila; Dawes, Sharon S.

2017 Information Polity

doi: 10.3233/IP-170416

This research explored the effect of institutional factors on e-governance development and performance, with particular attention to Russian Federation conditions. The authors conducted a multi-method case study that explores how institutional factors appear to influence the performance of e-governance. Using the case of the Russian Federation, the analysis focused on underlying regulative, normative, and cultural factors revealed through international and domestic studies, government structures, legal foundations, and choices made about what to monitor and measure. We found strong hierarchical structures with fragmented responsibilities, and laws and regulations that focus mainly on the role of authorities, formal power and technologies. In terms of performance, most attention is paid to monitoring e-services and technical infrastructure with almost no attention to citizen engagement, empowerment, or participation. These dominant trends contribute to institutional traps (including internal fragmentation, inflexible patterns of interaction, expectations of corruption, over reliance on international rankings) that significantly limit the development of e-governance and its promises of administrative reform, better public services, and new concepts of citizenship. The research concludes with an argument that a multi-faceted approach to assessment provides greater understanding of a given country’s e-governance pattern and its prospects for future development.

Custers, Bart; Bachlechner, Daniel

2017 Information Polity

doi: 10.3233/IP-170419

The rise of big data promises a plethora of opportunities for a data-driven economy, including accelerated innovation and growth, and increased productivity and competitiveness. However, there are still many legal, technological, societal and economic barriers that inhibit the use and reuse of data. It’s not enough to have large volumes of data to capitalize on the benefits of big data. Data, for instance, must also be accessible, reliable and up-to-date, and there must be clarity about the provenience of data and the right business model. Companies can collect data themselves, but with respect to many use cases, it seems to be more reasonable to reuse existing data, which was collected by third-parties, at least to some extent. However, this is only happening to a very limited extent. This paper presents and discusses conditions that are prerequisites to realize the full potential of data reuse. The viability of data reuse depends on (1) compliance with legislation, (2) technical possibilities, (3) public acceptance, and (4) business cases that yield added value. Data reuse and a thriving data economy rely on these conditions. Solutions are offered to policy makers and company leaders to facilitate data reuse and to advance the data economy.

2017 Information Polity

doi: 10.3233/IP-170405