This IST-funded initiative has developed an innovative open-source software solution and methodology to help local governments in particular ensure the quality, legitimacy and transparency of their policies in the eyes of their citizens.
Helping local administrations manage the policy lifecycle
Drawing on knowledge-management tools used in the business world, the QUALEG partners have developed software to help local administrations manage the policy lifecycle. The application has the ability to go beyond the limited steps that have been taken to date in harnessing the power of internet to increase citizen participation.
“If you look at the e-participation tools some public administrations have implemented, such as online forums and e-polling, you see that the management of them is quite complex. Often a forum is created for citizens to input their thoughts about a certain policy issue, but is then ignored by public administrators – while e-mails can frequently go unanswered because they do not reach the right person,” Benamou says.
He continues, “The QUALEG system uses natural language processing and semantic metadata to sort the information provided by citizens and send it to the right person. By aggregating the data, policymakers are given a global view of public concerns and how people view administrations’ work.”
The QUALEG platform makes use of data management to create a ‘Policy Evaluation Scorecard’ of indicators related to citizens’ expectations, service performance and satisfaction. This scorecard can then be used to improve public agenda setting, policy development and policy implementation.
“This helps deal with the two core issues that affect civic participation: firstly, citizens want to know that their opinions are being taken into account, and, secondly, they want a response to pressing concerns,” Benamou says.
Local council trials in Poland and Germany
The QUALEG solution is being tested in two trials in Poland and Germany in late 2006. The Polish trial in the city of Tarnow is trying the system for e-consultation over public works policies, so the local council can obtain feedback efficiently from both citizens and business partners. In Saarbrücken, Germany, it will be used to help organise cultural events.
Though Benamou is confident the trials will prove the value of the system, he acknowledges that the software is probably slightly ahead of its time. “Most public administrations are still concentrating on rolling out e-government solutions. Only after those are established will they focus on e-democracy,” he says.
Autor(en)/Author(s): Norbert Benamou
Quelle/Source: IST Results, 30.08.2006
