The Value and Limits of Government Information Resources for Policy Informatics

Abstract

The primary objective of the governance informatics approach outlines conscious development of governance knowledge and use of this knowledge to develop shared mental models of governance functions and performance. In the early stages of a governance informatics project, tools of research and computer simulation modeling are harnessed to stimulate learning, inform planning and design considerations, and develop adaptive management tools and techniques. The elements of the governance informatics project are illustrated to show how the governance informatics project proceeds by undertaking partnership with the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), and describe relationship among stakeholder engagement, participatory model development, and decision support. The consideration of model validity and the relationship between validity, legitimacy, and accuracy is addressed at all stages of the governance informatics project. This chapter explores a new phase in computer simulation modeling of social/governance phenomena, and perhaps building the capacity to harness these models to serve the public good.