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Evolving a global open e-governance index

Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA)




Project type Research 






Support 73,288



“Although there are now many indicators of e-government around the world, there is a notable lack of indicator systems that measure open e-governance – the use of ICTs to enhance the participation of different actors in decision-making” — Foundation for Media Alternatives

60 out of 92

# of countries surveyed for the Open Data Barometer which have an open data initative in place

 

Start date
November 2015
End date
April 2017
Period: 17 months

Issue

The idea of ‘openness’ is often used as a way of describing governance that is inclusive and democratic.

It signifies not only respect of basic human rights – to information and freedom of expression – but also leverages the benefits of ICTs for deepening democracy.

But how do we know when governance is open? Existing indicators focus on infrastructure and use of ICTs by government and businesses, but do not measure the legal and policy environments that allow ICTs to be used by all citizens, meaning there is a real danger that open government is not open for all.

Project

The Foundation for Media Alternatives is using its funding from Making All Voices Count to build on and popularise an Open eGovernance Index (OeGI) which it has already developed and piloted in four countries – Hong Kong, the Philippines, Pakistan and Thailand.

This project team will focus on three key activities:

  • Updating the existing OeGI framework, using new knowledge on open governance
  • Testing the revised OeGI in the four original countries and six new ones, including Chile, Colombia, Kenya, Uganda and Indonesia
  • Finalising the OeGI for adoption worldwide and provide policy recommendations to ensure uptake.

The finalised OeGI will be used for assessing how different countries are utilising ‘openness’ in network societies, in order to enhance citizen engagement in public services and address communication rights.

Partner

The Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) is a non-profit organisation which supports a range of civil society organisations to navigate the digital divide. FMA engages in a wide range of activities, from developing content for websites and policy advocacy, to carrying out policy research on ICTs. Based in Quezon City, is a leading civil society advocate on ICT policy concerns in the Philippines.

Publications