An Approach to the Semantic Representation of the Local Government Strategic Planning Process: Ontology-Driven Simulation Method for Assessing Economic Impacts

Abstract

This paper describes a methodological approach to the creation of a strategic planning ontology (SPO) for local governments. The aim of the given ontology is to provide a semantic description of the development strategy, involved stakeholders, and tools to improve the decision-making process for selecting the most valuable strategic objectives for the economy of the region. The novelty of the research presented in this paper is reflected by the development of an ontological model of actions and reasons, that is, semantically described combinations of activities and requirements that are defined by development strategies. The proposed ontology can provide answers to questions such as: what are the development priorities? How will those priorities be implemented? Who will be responsible for implementation? Why are they being implemented in the first place? We answer the question, “why specific development goals are chosen?”. Answers are given as semantic representations of the economic impact on a region’s industry. The ontology-driven simulation methods that are proposed in this paper provide the possibility of simulating the effects and results of the chosen development strategy goals, evaluate the actions taken, and ensure support for the selection of the best alternative in the process of defining objectives for the development strategy.