Open Government Research Articles

Smart Supervision of Public Expenditure: A Review on Data Capture, Storage, Processing, and Interoperability with a Case Study from Colombia

Effective fiscal control and monitoring of public management are critical for preventing and mitigating corruption, which in turn, enhances government performance and benefits citizens. Given the vast amounts of data involved in government operations, applying advanced data analysis methods is essential for strengthening fiscal oversight. This paper explores data management strategies aimed at enhancing fiscal control, beginning with a bibliometric study to underscore the relevance of this research. The study reviews existing data capture techniques that facilitate fiscal oversight, addresses the challenges of data storage in terms of its nature and the potential for contributing to this goal, and discusses data processing methods that yield actionable insights for analysis and decision-making. Additionally, the paper deals with data interoperability, emphasizing the importance of these practices in ensuring accurate and reliable analysis, especially given the diversity and volume of data within government operations. Data visualization is highlighted as a crucial component, enabling the detection of anomalies and promoting informed decision-making through clear and effective visual representations. The research concludes with a case study on the modernization of fiscal control in Colombia, focusing on the identification of user requirements for various data-related processes. This study provides valuable insights for modern audit and fiscal control entities, emphasizing that data capture, storage, processing, interoperability, and visualization are integral to the effective supervision of public expenditure. By ensuring that public funds are managed with transparency, accountability, and efficiency, the research advances the literature by addressing both the technological aspects of data management and the essential process improvements and human factors required for successful implementation.

D2kg: An integrated ontology for knowledge graph-based representation of government decisions and acts

To implement Open Governance a crucial element is the efficient use of the big amounts of open data produced in the public domain. Public administration is a rich source of data and potentially new knowledge. It is a data intensive sector producing vast amounts of information encoded in government decisions and acts, published nowadays on the World Wide Web. The knowledge shared on the Web is mostly made available via semi-structured documents written in natural language. To exploit this knowledge, technologies such as Natural Language Processing, Information Extraction, Data mining and the Semantic Web could be used, embedding into documents explicit semantics based on formal knowledge representations such as ontologies. Knowledge representation can be made possible by the deployment of Knowledge Graphs, collections of interlinked representations of entities, events or concepts, based on underlying ontologies. This can assist data analysts to achieve a higher level of situational awareness, facilitating automated reasoning towards different objectives, such as for knowledge management, data maintenance, transparency and cybersecurity. This paper presents a new ontology d2kg [d(iavgeia) 2(to) k(nowledge) g(raph)] integrating in a unique way standard EU ontologies, core and controlled vocabularies to enable exploitation of publicly available data from government decisions and acts published on the Greek platform Diavgeia with the aim to facilitate data sharing, re-usability and interoperability. It demonstrates a characteristic example of a Knowledge Graph based representation of government decisions and acts, highlighting its added value to respond to real practical use cases for the promotion of transparency, accountability and public awareness. The developed d2kg ontology in owl is accessible at: http://w3id.org/d2kg, as well as documented at: http://w3id.org/d2kg/documentation.

The effects of an abundance of natural resources on the healthcare industry: The global evidence

AbstractThe current study investigates the effects of an abundance of natural resources on the healthcare industry worldwide. Various natural resources proxies such as rents for coal, mineral, natural gas, and oil are used and analyzed by using a quarterly datasets for the period 2000:Q1–2020:Q4. Results from regional and income group datasets show that various forms of natural resources abundance around the globe exert statistically significant, but a mix of positive and adverse effects on the healthcare sector. Results also reveal that changes in and shocks given to natural resources precede significant changes in the healthcare sector in general. This study advises that countries need to achieve careful resource management, open governance, and economic diversification top priority in order to lessen reliance on a single resource and mitigate any negative effects. Further implications are provided at the end of this study.

Can information transparency strengthen authoritarian accountability? An empirical study of open-government-information litigation in China (2008–2018)

China’s 2008 national regulation on open government information (OGI) triggered a new wave of administrative litigation against governments calling for their release of classified information. Many scholars have debated the effects of OGI regulation and litigation on government accountability. Thus, this study examines 19,076 first instance OGI cases from 2008 to 2018 and proposes a typology of accountbility to explore whether and how information transparency can strengthen authoritarian accountability in China. The data suggests that information transparency boosts the amount of litigation and increases the plaintiffs’ winning rates against the state, which seems to fit the conventional-wisdom However, the interpretation of such patterns needs to incorporate two contingent conditions. First, China’s OGO litigation centers around urbanization-related disputes, such as housing demolition and land acquisition. The data futher reveals that urbanization stimulates OGI litigation but decreases the plaintiffs’ winning rates, and information transparency also has no impacts or even negative association with their winning rates, suggesting that OGI litigation mainly serves as a channel to release public grievances (as pressure-releasing accountbility). Second, our data also shows that plaintiffs’ winning rates are much higher when citing procedural clauses than content clauses in the OGI Regulation, suggesting authoritarian accountability is more procedural than substantive. Our findings offer a nuanced discussion on authoritarian information governance and accountability.

Putting People First in Data Quality: Feminist Data Ethics for Open Government Datasets

ABSTRACTOpen government information systems offer great potential for advancing civic life and democracy, but they also reflect and reinforce the biases and systematic inequalities faced by members of socially marginalized groups. We present results from a critical data modeling project that uses a data quality framework to examine open datasets published by police departments in order to understand how data modeling choices shape the social impact of these datasets. Using an arrest record dataset published by the Los Angeles Police Department as a case study, we present we present results detailing the representation of racial data and the presence of children in the dataset. We argue that current data quality frameworks for open government data are insufficient for critical data studies due to an orientation around institutional and computational interests. Incorporating feminist data ethics into data quality analysis provides an approach to data quality that centers people and communities. We propose a definition for data quality of open government datasets based on an ethics of care that centers the needs of vulnerable populations and accountability of institutions toward their communities.

A multi-stage game framework for new route promotion: Behavioral strategy and dynamic evolution of shippers, carriers, and governments

New freight routes are being planned and emerging globally, but often rely on government subsidies to enhance their competitiveness during the initial promotional phase. This study proposes a multi-stage game framework to explore the influence mechanism of behavioral strategies among three stakeholders: shipper, carrier, and government. Based on the assessment of shippers’ route choice preferences, we examine the dynamic evolution of carriers’ and governments’ behavioral strategies in the practical context of bounded rationality and dynamic learning. We theoretically derive the evolutionary paths and stable outcomes of dynamic systems across eight scenarios encompassing all the possible practical values to be taken, which provide broader and more valuable decision support for new route promotion. Finally, the feasibility and validity of the proposed model are verified by the actual case of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. The findings indicate that government subsidies are not always effective and provide a precise subsidy range that can incentivize carriers to switch to the new route. Moreover, the study clarifies the impact of key factors such as subsidy, tax, route reliability, transportation time, and time value of cargo on the promotion of new routes through numerical simulation, and provides feasible management recommendations for government and route operations.

Privacy Risks in the Storytelling of Open Government Data: A Study from the Perspective of User Cognitive Reasoning

ABSTRACTIn recent years, there has been an increase in the openness of government data. Data storytelling has emerged as a means to enhance communication by transforming mundane data into easily understandable narratives. However, it is crucial to pay attention to privacy risks. This paper delves into the concept of storytelling government data, integrating cognitive reasoning and the S‐O‐R model, and evaluates privacy risks. Through comparative experiments and interviews, this study examines how users may infer sensitive information. The research reveals that storytelling data has a positive impact on users' cognition. De‐storytelling, on the other hand, can mitigate privacy risks, reduce information relevance, simplify narratives, and strike a balance between user experience and privacy. Building on this research, the paper proposes a strategy to address privacy risks, recommends strengthening privacy protection awareness from the perspectives of both users and platforms, optimizing data presentation methods, reducing the risk of sensitive information leakage, and ensuring the convenience and security of government data disclosure.

Open Government Data Intention-Adoption Behavioural Model for Public Sector Organisations: A Technological Innovation Perspective

The objective of this research is to examine an open government data (OGD) intention-adoption behavioural model for the public sector organisations (PSOs), since examining the model is expected to lead to a better understanding of how to realise this technological innovation among PSOs on a large scale to excavate its innovative value. In this respect, we proposed a theoretical model to explore the factors that affect OGD adoption behaviour based on three dimensions of the TOE (technology, organisation, and environment) framework. The model was then analysed after collecting the survey data from 249 PSOs in Pakistan using a purposive sampling technique. The findings unfolded that the factors, except centralisation and civil society participation, framed in technology dimension (data resource, dataset quality, perceived benefits), organisation dimension (data-driven culture, digitisation capacity, need for transparency), and environment dimension (compliance pressure, political leadership commitment) affect the PSOs’ OGD adoption intention. Cumulatively, the intention to adopt OGD was found to have a significant positive impact on OGD adoption behaviour. Based on the TOE framework, the model, with the addition of adoption intention as a significant positive factor in adoption behaviour, bears a crucial theoretical and practical contribution in the context of OGD. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-05-04 Full Text: PDF

Peat profile database from peatlands in Canada.

Peatlands cover approximately 12% of the Canadian landscape and play an important role in the carbon cycle through their centennial- to millennial-scale storage of carbon under waterlogged and anoxic conditions. In recognizing the potential of these ecosystems as natural climate solutions and therefore the need to include them in national greenhouse gas inventories, the Canadian Model for Peatlands module (CaMP v. 2.0) was developed by the Canadian Forest Service. Model parameterization included compiling peat profiles across Canada to calibrate peat decomposition rates from different peatland types, to define typical bulk density profiles, and to describe the hydrological (i.e., water table) response of peatlands to climatic changes. A total of 1217 sites were included in the dataset from published and unpublished sources. The CORESITES table contains site location and summary data for each profile, as well as an estimate of total carbon mass per unit area (in megagrams of C per hectare). Total carbon mass per unit area at each location was calculated using bulk density and carbon content through each profile. The PROFILES table contains data for depth (in centimeters), bulk density (in grams per cubic meter), ash and carbon content (in percentage), and material descriptions for contiguous samples through each peat profile. Data gaps for bulk density and C content were filled using interpolation, regression trees, and assigned values based on material description and/or soil classification to allow for the estimation of total carbon mass per unit area. A subset of the sites (N = 374) also have pH and pore water trace-elemental geochemistry data and are found in the WATER table. The REFERENCES table contains the full citation of each source of the data and is linked to each core location through the SOURCEDATA table. The LOOKUP table defines codes in the database that required more space that what was sufficient in the metadata tables. The data can be accessed on Open Government Canada and will be useful for future work on carbon stock mapping and ecosystem modeling. All metadata and data are provided © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2023 and information contained in this publication may be reproduced for personal or public noncommercial purposes with attribution, whereas commercial reproduction and distribution are prohibited except with written permission from NRCan; complete details are noted in the Supporting Information file Metadata S1 (see Class III.B.3: Copyright restrictions).

The Role of E-Government in Public Services: A Bibliometric Analysis

This research investigates the pivotal role of e-government in public services through the lens of bibliometric analysis, employing the Biblioshiny tool for comprehensive bibliometric evaluation. E-government, a transformative force in contemporary public administration, involves the use of electronic platforms to deliver government services to citizens. The study employs bibliometric analysis to systematically examine and quantify the scholarly output, trends, and patterns in research related to the role of e-government in public services. The research leverages Biblioshiny, a sophisticated bibliometric analysis tool, to conduct an in-depth examination of a diverse range of publications. This tool facilitates the extraction of valuable insights from academic literature, shedding light on key thematic areas, prolific authors, and publication trends over specified periods. By employing bibliometric analysis, the study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intellectual landscape surrounding e-government in public services. The findings of this research are expected to contribute significantly to the understanding of the scholarly discourse on the role of e-government in public services. By utilizing bibliometric analysis, the study aims to identify gaps in existing research, highlight areas of prolific academic activity, and provide insights that can inform future research directions and policy considerations in the realm of e-government. Ultimately, this research endeavours to offer a nuanced and data-driven perspective on the evolving landscape of e-government and its impact on shaping effective and citizen-centric public services, thereby enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of government operations and interactions with the public.

Restricting access to AI decision-making in the public interest: The justificatory role of proportionality and its balancing factors

In the European Union, individuals subject to fully automated AI-based decisions by the government have the right to request access to the processing information under Article 15(1)(h) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, this right may be restricted on public interest grounds, such as preventing system manipulation to ensure the effectiveness of the law or reducing excessive burdens on public officials to maintain efficiency in government operations. The principle of proportionality is a key instrument to assess the legality and legitimacy of such restrictions, yet its application has been largely overlooked in discussions concerning the competing public interests under Article 15(1)(h) of the GDPR. This paper draws on legal and interdisciplinary scholarship, as well as the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to explore the role of proportionality and its balancing factors in shaping justifications for public interest restrictions on the data protection right of access to AI decision-making information.

국제개발협력에서 디지털 공공재의 역할과 과제에 관한 연구

Purpose: This study examines the role and challenges of Digital Public Goods (DPGs) in international development cooperation. Emphasizing openness, it analyzes the socio-technical dimensions of DPGs, identifying key considerations and constraints for their development and application. Originality: DPGs are emerging as a strategic tool to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address digital inequality. However, questions persist about whether technical openness alone can ensure successful development outcomes, suggesting the need for a broader analysis. Methodology: Using a socio-technical systems approach, this study reviews scholarly work on open-source software and open data in the Digital for Development (D4D) field over the past 15 years. Result: The findings show that DPGs enhance public service efficiency, support service expansion, and foster innovation through open access to data and knowledge. Despite these benefits, challenges such as technological complexity, infrastructure limitations, gaps in stakeholder awareness, capabilities, and trust, and hierarchical governance structures reveal tensions between technical and social dimensions. Conclusion and Implication: For effective implementation, DPGs require not only technical openness but also open governance structures, sustainable financial and technical capacities, and context-specific strategies. Governments and international organizations play a critical role as coordinators, while the formation of intermediaries and tailored strategies is crucial. This study contributes to the growing body of DPG research by offering a comprehensive analysis through a socio-technical lens.

The impact of people’s participation on public policy satisfaction in Vietnam

People’s participation in public decision-making not only helps ensure transparency and accountability but also contributes to improving their satisfaction with government policies and operations. This study examines whether transparency in decision-making, trust in public agencies, access to information, and people’s awareness of their rights and responsibilities play an important role in promoting their participation. The study also explores whether this participation directly affects people’s satisfaction with public decisions and policies. This study uses mixed method approach through the SEM linear regression model. The analysis of the results shows that transparency, trust, information accessibility and citizen awareness have a positive and significant impact on the level of their participation in public activities. However, increased participation does not necessarily lead to higher levels of satisfaction with public policies, especially when the participation process does not meet people’s expectations or lacks transparency and efficiency. The study concludes that, to improve people’s satisfaction, it is necessary not only to promote participation, but also to improve the quality of this process, ensuring that participation is substantive and has a clear impact on public decisions. As such, specific recommendations are made to improve public policy and enhance people’s participation and satisfaction in the context of modern public governance.

Open government through public complaint management: Success stories from the Jakarta Provincial government

The relationship between open government and public complaints is closely related to transparency, accountability, and public participation in government. The following are some relationships between the two: Transparency in open government aims to increase transparency in providing public information, including information related to public complaints. It allows the public to access information related to public services and the complaints process. Public participation in open government encourages active public participation in the decision-making process. With an open and transparent public complaints mechanism, the public can participate by providing input, submitting complaints, or providing suggestions for improving public services. Accountability in open government emphasizes government accountability to the public. By integrating the public complaint system within the open government framework, the government can more easily be held accountable for handling and following up on complaints. In terms of service innovation and improvement, the government can identify possible problems in public services and take steps to improve the efficiency, quality, and responsiveness of these services by collecting data and information from public complaints. Thus, open government and public complaints support each other to create an environment that is more transparent, participatory, accountable, and responsive to public needs.

Moderating Role of Social Value Orientation on the Relationship between Tax Service Quality and Tax Compliance among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the North Rift Economic Bloc, Kenya

Tax revenues are crucial for government operations, providing essential economic, social, and political benefits. However, tax noncompliance by individuals and businesses can undermine these benefits by reducing government revenue and compromising the tax system’s fairness and effectiveness. As such, improving taxpayer compliance is a key government priority. This study examines the conditional effect of social value orientation on the relationship between tax service quality and tax compliance among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya. Guided by a positivist philosophy and explanatory design, the study sampled 393 SMEs owners/managers from a population of 21,232 through stratified sampling. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, with reliability and validity confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha and factor analysis. The analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics and multiple regression analyses using the Andrew Hayes Process macro. Findings indicated that both tax service quality (β =.541, p<0.01) and social value orientation (β = 0.333, p < 0.01) significantly and positively affect tax compliance. Additionally, social value orientation significantly moderates the relationship between tax service quality and tax compliance (β = 0.5059, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.0774). The study concludes that high-quality tax service and consideration for social values of the taxpayer are crucial for improving the compliance level of SMEs. Governments encourage greater compliance by providing efficient, user-friendly, and transparent services, as well as through the inclusion of social values in policy and program design. Future research should explore other factors influencing compliance through a mixed-method approach.

Prospects and challenges for parliamentarism in the conditions of the development of digital constitutionalism

The purpose of the article is to carry out a multi-faceted analysis of the dynamics of the development of parliamentarism and digital constitutionalism, to identify possible challenges and threats, as well as prospects for parliaments and parliamentary activity in the conditions of the spread of modern digital (electronic) technologies. Approaches to understanding and defining the phenomena of «parliamentarism», «constitutionalism», «digital constitutionalism», some of their modifications and features are highlighted, their multifaceted nature, transformation in the conditions of modern progressive digital development, electronic democracy is emphasized. Crisis and conflict events have largely become challenges for parliaments and parliamentary activity, as well as digitalization and digitization processes and tools. It is important that parliamentary institutions of various levels (national, supranational, inter-parliamentary associations, their auxiliary bodies and services) contribute to the development and regulation of these processes, using advanced and effective digital technologies tested in practice. The «Digital Compass» for the EU Digital Decade (2030), the concept of digital sovereignty, the adopted charters of digital rights (Catalan, Nice), the Law on Digital Markets, the Law on Digital Services, the Law on Artificial Intelligence, the Declaration on European Digital Rights and Principles should be singled out. (2022), «World e-Parliament Report» of the IPU, the concept of e-democracy of the European Parliament, the resolution on e-democracy of the PACE, recommendations on open government and electronic participation of citizens OECD. Thanks to this, new forms and tools for the implementation of existing human rights are introduced, as well as new digital rights are constituted (to access the Internet, to identity in the digital environment, to protection in the digital environment, non-discrimination, etc.). In the same way, the forms and methods of activity of parliaments are being modernized (expansion of platforms for online broadcasts of plenary and committee meetings, electronic (remote) voting, improvement of interactive websites with access to draft laws and other documents, and systems of electronic petitions and consultations with voters, electronic participation of citizens and public organizations in the legislative process). However, the development of digital parliamentarism and digital democracy is accompanied by numerous challenges (digital inequality, low digital literacy of members of parliaments and parliamentary services, cyber threats, material and financial costs etc.). This requires a thorough study of the issues raised, improvement of digital culture, improvement of parliamentary and non-parliamentary procedures, along with further development of technological infrastructure, cyber security protection of the components of digital parliamentarism.

The Importance of Capacity-Building in Watershed Groups: Lessons from the Hudson River Watershed, USA.

Municipalities face challenges meeting environmental protection and conservation goals due to a lack of resources, capacity, and political will. As a result, grassroots environmental organizations often emerge to help meet these challenges by filling gaps in governmental operation and structure. At the watershed scale, environmental organizations and groups are critical for effective watershed governance, often helping with collaboration as well as providing municipalities with additional support and resources. Despite the vital role environmental organizations and groups can play, they continue to face challenges such as insufficient resources, inconsistent leadership, and lack of organizational structure, thus limiting the contributions they can deliver. In this manuscript, we present case study research on watershed groups exploring their capacity to meet their mission and goals. Drawing from a needs assessment study conducted in the Hudson River watershed in 2019-2021, we found that while watershed groups are generally in need of technical resources, participation, and funding, our research suggests capacity (such as internal structure, strategic planning, and leadership) is most important for successful and sustainable groups. Therefore, we argue that support for capacity is more likely to help sustain groups and their long-term beneficial impact. To make this argument we present qualitative interview and focus group data to articulate watershed group goals, challenges, and needs, with an emphasis on capacity-related themes that emerged around expertise, leadership, structure, and planning. We then conclude with recommendations that can be applied to other watershed groups in the United States, and likely beyond.

The contingent role of state capacity on the impact of e-government on environmental sustainability in developing countries

E-government is a prominent approach in environmental sustainability as it brings various arrangements that allow for the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. The article explores two main objectives. Firstly, the direct impact of e-government on ecological sustainability and secondly, whether e-government enhances environmental sustainability indirectly by improving state capacity. By understanding this nexus, we believe that states in LDCs will seek to explore the maximum potential benefits of ICTs in government operations to establish a more responsive, open, and people-oriented government. The paper utilizes a balanced macro-panel sample of 45 United Nations classified least developed countries from 2003 to 2022. To ensure the reliability of empirical findings, three econometric methods—system generalized methods of moments (GMM), instrumental variable GMM (IV-GMM), and bootstrap ordinary least squares (BOLS) are employed. The results of the entire sample model reveal several key findings. These findings are that e-government development has a direct and positive impact on environmental sustainability, secondly state capacity negatively influences ecological sustainability, and lastly e-government development indirectly affects environmental sustainability by enhancing state capacity. Additionally, intriguing sub-sample findings for least developed countries in Africa and Asia are observed, with notable lessons from the latter, where environmental performance is improving at the expense of a high volume of carbon emissions. However, these overall findings underscore the importance of considering how governments can address environmental sustainability requirements by managing e-government programs and enacting responsible ICT-enabled transformations.

Use of Digital Technologies for the Conduct of Work in the Government System Based on the Demans of the Current Times

This article deals with the issues of ensuring the safety of the population in the residences of citizens. It is planned to implement an electronic platform that allows for quick collection and analysis of information on the technical and social condition of residential areas. These strategies focus on digital transformation in the national economy, industry, and society. In Uzbekistan, significant steps have been taken to implement modern information and communication technologies (ICT) in public administration, education, healthcare, and agriculture. One notable challenge addressed in this study is the management of carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards, and explosions during the heating season. The research highlights the limitations of manual data collection, including the risk of data loss, difficulty in locating information, and inefficiencies in processing critical safety data. The program processes data in less than a minute, facilitating more efficient emergency management and preventive measures. This system exemplifies the role of digital technology in enhancing public safety and optimizing government operations.

Leveraging Digital Transformation for Performance Management: A Case Study on E-Sakip Implementation in Government Institutions

The integration of digital transformation into government agencies' performance management has become essential in enhancing public service delivery, efficiency, and accountability. This study focuses on implementing the Electronic System for Government Agency Performance Accountability (E-SAKIP) in Indonesia as a case study of digital transformation. The research employs a qualitative approach with a case study design to explore the effectiveness, challenges, and impact of E-SAKIP on performance management. The findings indicate that E-SAKIP has significantly improved transparency and efficiency in government operations, reducing time and costs associated with performance reporting by up to 70%. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, resistance to change, and insufficient training for government employees have hindered its full potential. The study underscores the need for ongoing support, including enhanced infrastructure, continuous training, and stronger leadership to ensure successful digital transformation. These insights offer valuable recommendations for further development of E-SAKIP and similar systems in other government contexts.