Participation In Policy-making Research Articles

Meso-institutions shaping arenas for policymaking: an exploratory study on front-of-package food labelling in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico

Front-of-package food labelling (FOPL) is a mechanism to inform consumers on food nutrients content and risks for health. Each country, within its own institutional framework, defines methods and protocols to formulate rules capable of influencing organizations and the behavior of agents. The paper aims at evaluating the role of some meso-institutions in shaping arenas for policymaking on FOPL based on an exploratory study in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. A documental analysis and literature review were employed, followed by in-depth interviews. The relevant aspects of FOPL assessed were thresholds for sugar, fats, and sodium; marketing restrictions, and timeframe given for compliance with the new rules. The contribution of this article is to illuminate the way in which meso-institutions operate in a specific context, namely the development of food labelling standards. The focus is to find the rules that allowed the participation of stakeholders in the process of defining normative acts intended to regulate food labelling. The discussion of mandatory FOPL can be interpreted as a struggle to define proper rights for the food industry and the consumer. Meso-institutions, as translators of general normative principles in specific contexts, can encourage or restrict stakeholder participation in policymaking. Besides political arena, the participation can be done in other arenas, such as legislature, regulatory agencies, scientific community, media and public opinion. Institutions that encourage stakeholder participation increase the probability of obtaining widely accepted specific rules.

Economists and Their Fan-clubs: The Distribution of Recognition in Russian Economic Science

Economists and Their Fan-clubs: The Distribution of Recognition in Russian Economic Science

Exploring the Implementation of Good Governance in Community School: A Case Study

This study examines the implementation of good governance practices in Shree Shitaladevi Secondary School, Pokhara 11 of Kaski District, Nepal. It utilizes a case study design of a qualitative approach. Data collected through semi-structured interview with school head teacher, teachers, students and representatives of SMC as well as PTA and a focus group discussion with the representatives of school stakeholders has explored related themes to good governance such as openness and transparency, accountability, independence, integrity, and school effectiveness. The findings reveal positive practices including information sharing with stakeholders, transparent teacher recruitment processes, and financial accountability. Although students’ participation in policy-making is limited, it has highlighted the involvement of parents, teachers, and students in decision-making. The study emphasizes the importance of good governance in ensuring quality education and identifies areas for further improvement. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of governance in community schools and provides valuable insights for policymakers and educators striving for better educational systems. This study has suggested a comprehensive research based on community schools of Nepal to explore the governance mechanisms through which community involvement can be harnessed to address existing challenges of school governance.

Advancing Democratic Engagement in Indonesia's Treaty Ratification Process

This study explores the application of the 'meaningful participation' principle in the formation of laws ratifying international agreements in Indonesia, with a focus on social, economic, and environmental sectors. The research adopts a normative legal methodology, utilizing statutory and conceptual approaches to analyze relevant legislation, court decisions, and academic literature. The findings reveal a significant imbalance in public participation in the ratification process, primarily characterized by a top-down approach with minimal substantive dialogue with affected community groups. Despite constitutional provisions allowing the President to establish agreements without ratification, meaningful public participation in legislative and ratification processes remains limited. The study emphasizes the need for open public consultations, active involvement of non-governmental organizations, and private sector engagement to achieve policies that reflect the comprehensive interests and aspirations of the populace. It highlights the importance of community involvement, transparency, economic-environmental balance, and inclusive approaches in influencing meaningful participation levels. The research calls for recommendations to the Government and Parliament to foster more qualitative and significant public participation in the ratification process, aligning Indonesia with international principles of meaningful participation in social, economic, and environmental law. This approach is crucial for Indonesia, as the world's third-largest democracy, to promote meaningful public participation in policy-making, especially in ratifying international agreements impacting the broader society.
 Highlights:
 
 Imbalanced Participation: Dominance of a top-down approach with minimal public dialogue in treaty ratification.
 NGOs and Private Sector: Essential roles in representing diverse societal interests in legislative processes.
 Legal and Democratic Alignment: Need for transparent and inclusive law-making, balancing economic and environmental aspects.
 
 Keywords: Meaningful Participation, International Treaty Ratification, Public Involvement, Legislative Process, Indonesian Democracy

JURIDICAL ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC INFORMATION DISCLOSURE IN GOVERNMENT SYSTEMS IN THE DIGITAL ERA

This article conducts a juridical analysis of public information disclosure in government systems in the digital era. The purpose of compiling this article is to identify legal issues related to public information disclosure in the digital era and provide appropriate legal solutions to overcome these problems. The research method used is a literature study by analyzing laws and regulations related to public information disclosure, as well as collecting the latest data and information about the use of information technology in government in a descriptive-analytical manner. The study results show that public information disclosure is a basic principle in a democratic government system that is fundamental for strengthening government accountability and encouraging public participation in policy-making. In the digital era, public information disclosure is becoming increasingly important, but it also requires the protection of information security and privacy because public information disclosure in the digital era has complex legal implications, such as issues of information security, personal data protection, and copyright issues. This article suggests that the government strengthen regulations regarding public information disclosure in the digital era, including developing strict information security standards and protecting intellectual property rights. In addition, the government also needs to increase public awareness about their right to obtain public information and develop an effective and efficient information system to facilitate access to public information.

Does citizen participation make public servants more satisfied with their jobs? It depends on whether they are Spectators or Participants

AbstractIs citizen participation in policymaking and implementation desirable? Numerous studies have explored its effects on policy outcomes and citizen attitudes. We, instead, examine its effects on public servants. Citizen participation changes public sector job characteristics and thus potentially job attitudes. Looking at job satisfaction, we argue that citizen participation negatively affects public servants who observe, but do not participate in citizen participation initiatives in their institution's decisions (“Spectators”), yet not public servants who are “Participants.” “Participants” learn to appreciate the benefits of citizen participation while minimizing its cost. Survey data from public servants in one developing country, Bangladesh, provides empirical support.

Agency and collaboration: an analysis of the relationship between government-certified social enterprises and the public sector in South Korea

Purpose Public sector institutional entrepreneurship efforts may contribute to addressing social challenges by creating an enabling regulatory environment that promotes social enterprise formation and fosters complementarity between the public sector and social enterprises. The outcomes of such public sector institutional entrepreneurship are explored in this study. To assess the outcomes of such public sector initiatives in South Korea, the perspectives of executives (n = 40) of government-certified social enterprises are assessed.Design/methodology/approach Several research methodologies were combined, including purposive sampling with an 11-point Likert scale, hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis. The literature on government–nonprofit relations as well as public sector institutional entrepreneurship was leveraged.Findings This research results indicate that the enabling regulatory environment with entrenched funding and incubation mechanisms produces mixed-to-positive outcomes if framed with reference to public sector–social enterprise complementarity. The authors identified three perspective-based ideal types that have differential views of isomorphic regulatory pressures, the efficacy of incubation and scaling programs, participation in policymaking and other aspects of public sector patronage.Originality/value This study contributes to relating the literature on public sector institutional entrepreneurship and government–third sector relations by empirically assessing how social enterprises attracted by government demand-side signaling to become certified as social enterprises encounter and perceive an ostensibly enabling regulatory ecosystem, with its derivative policies and mechanisms, crafted by the public sector.

Translating teachers as leaders of educational change: briefcases, biscuits, and teacher participation in policymaking

ABSTRACT Global policy discourse is promotes teachers as leaders of educational change who should have a voice in policy formation. ‘Teaching Scotland’s Future’, a major teacher education reform in Scotland, feeds off this vision. Taking an Actor-Network Theory inspired Critical Policy Analysis approach, I unpack the participation of human and non-human actors within the National Partnership Group, a network established by the Scottish Government to plan the enactment of the reform. I utilise Callon’s four moments of translation and Latour’s concept of the token to identify and examine spaces of interest translation. Drawing on interviews with human actors from the network, I discuss the involvement of classroom teachers, and demonstrate the multiple ways that the materiality of the policy process shaped their participation in the network, limiting their ability to inform further development of the policy agenda. I consider the implications of this for education reform and democratic policymaking.

Designing a Model for Participatory Health Policy at the Local Level

Background. Today, the participation of local levels in the health policy process is emphasized, which can be used as a means to more appropriately solve the problems of local communities and support the health system in achieving its goals. This study aimed to design a health policy model based on participation at the local level. Methods. This multi-method study was conducted to design a model for participation in health policymaking at the local level during three phases of systematic review, semi-structured in-depth interview, and Delphi technique. The purpose of the systematic review was to identify the factors affecting this participation, which was done by searching for suitable keywords in English and Persian databases. The objective of the qualitative phase was to identify the barriers and facilitators of participation. To this end, 16 people were selected by purposive sampling method and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The elements and components of the initial model were provided to experts in this field through the Delphi technique to confirm the items and validate them, so that the final model could be designed. Results. The influential factors for participation included individual, environmental, and contextual factors, which were identified from a systematic review of 21 articles. Facilitators obstacles, challenges, advantages, and disadvantages of local level participation in the policymaking process were identified through the results of a qualitative study, which were categorized into three main themes, including the participation process, the beneficiaries of the process, and the strategies to facilitate participation. Finally, the health policy model based on participation at the city level was validated and finalized using the opinion of experts. Conclusion. Participation in the health policy process requires the use of facilitators and the removal of obstacles. Local levels in terms of health issues in Iran involve complex and diverse challenges that can be solved through real participation.

Moral Politics of Sidewalk Vending: The Struggle between the City Authorities and Sidewalk Vendors of the City of Manila

Abstract This article used Kusaka’s moral politics framework in examining the struggle between the city authorities and the sidewalk vendors of the City of Manila. It explained the development of sidewalk vending from the perspectives of the authorities and the sidewalk vendors from the time of Mayor Gemeliano Lopez Jr. (1986–1992) to the time of Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada (2013–2019). It showed the moralization of the perceived problem of sidewalk vending in the city and the approach of the authorities in eradicating sidewalk vendors. This qualitative study is a product of interviews with city officials, employees, and the different types of sidewalk vendors. It revealed that authorities perceived the vendors as undisciplined and undesirable illegals, while the vendors see the authorities as corrupt and dishonest extortionists. This moral opposition remains a contributing factor to the unresolved problem of sidewalk vending in Manila. The approach of the authorities to the problem evaded the social injustices experienced by the vendors whose welfare is a mandated responsibility of local officials based on the Local Government Code of 1991. The article suggests the creation of a mechanism of engagement between the authorities and the vendors that will serve as an opportunity for sidewalk vendors’ participation in policymaking.

E-Government as A Tool to Increase Public Participation in Public Decision Making

The purpose of this research is to examine e-government as a tool to enhance public participation in decision-making. The researcher used qualitative research methods with a field research approach. Field research involves direct observation, interviews, or other data collection methods in the field, allowing the researcher to gain a deep understanding of the phenomenon under study. The research location for this study is the Jakarta Provincial Government. To gather information or collect data, two staff members of the Jakarta Provincial Government were interviewed. The findings of this study indicate that the use of e-government in the Jakarta Provincial Government has proven to enhance public participation in policy-making. E-government enables broader, more inclusive, targeted, and transparent participation. Public participation is facilitated through online platforms where people can easily access information and participate in discussions about proposed policies. In the context of the Jakarta Provincial Government, e-government has also helped improve the efficiency of governance and provide easier access to public services.

Enhancing young people's individual skills and knowledge. The case of vulnerable youth participating in co-creative policymaking in housing in the city of Barakaldo

This research aims to explore in what extent young people can enhance their individual skills, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors by taking part in urban policymaking co-creation processes. The empirical study conducted within the UPLIFT project is based on two main theoretical influences: co-creation and youth participation in policymaking and the capability approach. The author found that the young participants in the UPLIFT co-creation process in Barakaldo who were encountering vulnerabilities or difficulties in housing, experienced positive individual effects from their participation in the process. Framed in terms of the Capability Approach, the process impacts positively on young people's individual abilities (individual factors) that may influence their opportunities (capabilities) and life strategies (functionings) in the housing domain. In the following lines, I also suggest a set of critical aspects that need to be pursued in a co-creative policymaking process to help increase the vulnerable young participants' knowledge and attitudes toward community planning initiatives in the field of urban policymaking.

Negara Hukum Pancasila Dalam Konsepsi Prismatik

The Pancasila Law of Indonesia is a unique and distinct legal concept for the Indonesian nation. The Pancasila Law is the result of Indonesia's long struggle for independence from colonization and the building of a free, democratic, sovereign, just, and prosperous nation. The Pancasila Law is not only based on constitutional documents or laws, but also has a strong philosophical and moral foundation that originates from Pancasila as the foundation of the Indonesian state. The concept of Pancasila Law in the three-dimensional prism, also known as the three aspects of trias politica, consists of functions, structure, and system. These three aspects are interconnected and cannot be separated from each other in carrying out their tasks and functions as the basis of the state law. Thus, the conclusion of the concept of Pancasila law is that it is a unique, complex, and holistic legal system that encompasses the values and principles of Pancasila as the foundation of the Indonesian state. Pancasila law combines legal, philosophical, and moral aspects while accommodating the cultural and religious diversity of Indonesia, and encourages societal participation in policy-making. Pancasila law is the result of the long struggle of the Indonesian people for independence and the building of a sovereign, democratic, just, and prosperous nation.

Effects of COVID-19 on civil society voices in European energy and climate policy

Civil society plays an important role in European energy and climate policymaking. This paper poses the questions of how organized civil society handled the opportunities and challenges presented by the lockdown to its access to the climate and energy policymaking within the European Commission (EC)? How has the balance between organized civil society groups and businesses in Europe been affected by pandemic-related travel restrictions? Moreover, what role has the EC played in creating such opportunities and affecting the legitimacy of democratic policymaking? This research sheds light on the changing role of the EC in democratic governance and policy formation in the European Union (EU) by examining the relationship between funding received by CSOs active in the policy areas of environment and climate, the number of meetings attended, and the importance of coalitions and networks. This research revealed a possible relationship between level of participation in policymaking and the operational support received from the EC. Despite the resources invested, opportunities for interest representation in the energy and climate policy areas disproportionately favor businesses and organizations with long-term relationships with and proximity to Brussels. Increased number of virtual meetings only marginally increased share of participation of NGOs in these meetings. Thus, a physical presence in Brussels and resource investment remain important factors in access to the EU policymaking.

The Impact of Public Participation on Energy Policy: A Comparative Study

Large-scale participation from the public is essential for the development of energy policies that are effective, efficient, and sustainable. Public involvement in the policymaking process improves the openness, legitimacy, and social acceptance of energy policies. Nonetheless, the level of public participation in the development of energy policy varies considerably among countries and regions. This research looks at the impact of public engagement on energy policy using case studies in Germany, the United States, and China. This paper employs a case study comparison approach to analyze the benefits and drawbacks of public participation in energy decisions. Both theoretical and empirical approaches to the literature on public engagement with energy policy are discussed. The majority of the data was gathered via in-depth interviews with experts on energy policy, government officials, and representatives of civil society in the countries of concern. The information was examined via a thematic lens. According to the research, public participation in the development of energy policies may increase their social acceptability, legitimacy, and transparency. The shift to a more sustainable energy system may be aided by the discovery of novel and more effective policy choices, which can be uncovered via this process. The research did, however, point out a number of obstacles and restrictions to public participation, including a lack of resources, the difficulty of juggling multiple interests, and the possibility of conflicts. The amount and character of public participation in energy policy-making varies greatly among nations, as shown by the comparative study of case studies, reflecting disparities in political, social, and economic conditions. For instance, Germany's energy transition has been successful in part because of the country's long-standing system of public participation in energy policy. However, public participation is restricted in China's energy policy-making process, which has contributed to widespread mistrust and hostility to energy policies. The report finishes with a discussion of the results' implications for energy policy-making and ideas for increasing public participation in this area. Sustainable, democratic, and socially equitable energy policies are promoted in the research by emphasizing the necessity of public participation in the policymaking process.

Adequacy of Public Information for Meaningful E-Participation in Policy-Making

Within the first two years of COVID-19’s exposure, countries around the world mitigated, among other things, social mobility control, resulting in other limitations on fundamental rights, such as freedom of movement and peaceful assembly. Within the rights restrictions, the desire of citizens to satisfy their desire for information and exercise their right to free expression was insatiable. The authors argue that citizens deserve access to sufficient information in order for them to have a meaningful right to participate. At the same time, electronic means can be an additional feature to channel public participation in policy-making. Regrettably, the primary platform adopted in Human Rights laws in operationalizing the right to participate in public affairs remains minimal to coexist meaningful e-participation embarked on the adequacy of the right to information based on Human Rights (HR) standards. This study aims to answer how a justification for meaningful e-participation in law-making can be defined. It also queries which framework can provide sufficient public information based on a rights-based approach. The study leverages the convention of civil and political rights (ICCPR) as the primary legal instrument for a qualitative doctrinal approach. The study suggests that adequate information should be in one package with e-participation to optimize the enjoyment of the right to participate in policy-making. 
 Keywords: Law-Making, meaningful e-Participation, Right-Based, Right to Information

Opozycja parlamentarna a kwestie przemian demokratycznych – Europa Środkowa i Wschodnia

Parliamentary elections produce winners and losers. For understandable reasons, winners become the government (coalition) and losers – the opposition. The article presents a framework for comparing the rights in policy-making of the parliamentary opposition in parliamentary Central and Eastern European democracies (Czechia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine). In 2022, democracy demands an opposition party with a future (reinversion) in parliament. The right of the parliamentary opposition to oppose the government formed by the governing majority is a fundamental feature of liberal democracy. Application of constitutional values (democracy, the rule of law, etc.) in Central and Eastern European states demonstrates the actual level of opposition fragmentation, polarization, and even cartelization. Rule of Law Index 2021 explicitly shows that among researched Central and Eastern European countries, Lithuania is in 18 place, Czechia – 22, Poland – 36, Hungary – 69, and Ukraine – 74. The Rule of Law Index is about constraints of government powers, absence of corruption, open government, and other issues related to the mission of the parliamentary opposition. Distance (not only ideological) between governing majority and parliamentary opposition is based on the capacity for government formation, participation in policy-making, scrutinizing governmental (populistic) strategy and policy.

Dilemmas of public participation in policymaking in South Africa

The effectiveness of representative democracy in South Africa is questionable, given the lack of confidence in the Parliament and the recurring service delivery protests, which indicate that citizens' opinions are unheard. Due to this, the Members of Parliament (MPs) devise strategies such as democratic innovation to involve citizens in policymaking as the platform for deliberation. Given this context, the paper discusses public participation in policymaking and how declining confidence in the Parliament necessitates democratic innovations as a panacea for increasing citizens' participation in Parliament activities. The paper also identifies dilemmas that occur in public involvement. Data was generated by interviews (with 16 MPs), observation of plenary debates, minutes of the Parliament, Hansard, minutes of Select and Standing Committees, and Parliamentary speeches. Findings suggest that despite the complexity of implementing public participation in South Africa, the Parliament has made significant progress since 1994 in widening democratic innovation to facilitate public participation. However, disadvantaged people continue to be marginalized from policymaking. The paper suggests that there is a need for political education and public participation in policymaking to strengthen democratic institutions in South Africa.

Strategies to strengthen non-governmental organizations' participation in the Iranian health system.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) added a new dimension to intersectoral action for health. Involving the NGOs in health system strengthening could lead to a more efficient, equitable, and better-governed healthcare system. This qualitative study explored effective strategies for NGO participation in the Iranian health system to achieve broader health system goals. We conducted 33 semi-structured interviews with health policymakers and planners, NGO actors at the national and provincial levels, and other key informants. The qualitative data were analyzed through a thematic analysis approach. Trustworthiness in the study was observed at all stages of the study. Four main themes- were identified: empowerment for learning leadership and management skills, creating active participation in policy-making, capacity building for participation, clarifying participation process, falling into 17 sub-themes. Along with the government and health sector policymakers, NGOs may have a significant role in improving health system goals and increasing equity, social responsiveness, financial risk protection, and efficiency. The participation of NGOs in the Iranian health system is a complex process. All elements and dimensions of this process need to be considered when developing a platform for the appropriate participation of NGOs in the health system functions. Evidence-informed strategies for strengthening the participation of NGOs in the health system should be used to utilize NGOs potential to the fullest.

Achieving carbon neutrality in China: Legal and policy perspectives

China has committed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. However, this task is considerably difficult. To meet its carbon neutrality commitments, China will rely on a range of policies and laws. By analyzing policies and laws issued at the central and local levels in China from 2019 to the present, we assessed how the Chinese government will achieve its carbon neutrality targets by breaking them down. The results of this study showed that: 1) Carbon neutrality targets are translated into indicators such as energy consumption per unit of GDP, carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP, non-fossil energy consumption ratio, forest cover, and forest stock; 2) The focus of policy and law-making is on the role of the government rather than the carbon market; 3) The central government tends to promote and guide low-carbon development through specific actions; 4) Local policy and law-making is less proactive and is influenced by localism; 5) Overall, China’s carbon neutrality policies and laws are characterized by comprehensive coverage, with emphasis on the rational use of executive power and the development of low-carbon-related technologies; and 6) The existing policies and laws remain unclear, with low levels of legislation and insufficient public participation. This paper puts forward some suggestions on the introduction of the climate change law, the promotion of citizen participation in policy-making and implementation, and the establishment of a public interest litigation system on climate change.