Download - eParticipation in The Netherlands
eParticipation in the Netherlands
Presentation for the Third International Forum on eDemocracy
d.d. 22 may 2008
By: Arnout Ponsioen ([email protected])
eParticipation the the Netherlands
1. Looking back2. Current approach and activities3. Looking forward4. Relevance of eVoice programme5. Final Remarks
1. Looking back (1/2)
- eParticipation not a political priority- Van Boxtel / Van der Ploeg (1998-2002)
• exploration of social, economic, cultural and political impact of internet
• research, experiments
• eSkills (‘Digitale Trapveldjes’)
eParticipation the the Netherlands
1. Looking back (2/2)
- Balkenende (2002-2006)• 65% of government services online in 2007
• efficiency, effectiveness
• Generic digital infrastructure
- Balkenende (2006-…)• Open dialogues
• Citizen participation
• Citizens’ feedback on service delivery
eParticipation the the Netherlands
2. Current approach and activities (1/3)
- eParticipation as a strategic new challenge in eGovernment policy (2006)
- Definition: involving citizens in finding solutions for social issues in all phases of the policy process
- Three fields of involvement- Higher levels of participation- Internet as an additional channel for participation
eParticipation the the Netherlands
2. Current approach and activities (2/3)
- 2006• Setting up an informal network
• Quickscans
• brainstorm sessions: definition and longlist of ideas
- 2007• Six experiments
• eParticpation summit
• Creative sessions: networking and finding new ideas
• Community website eparticipatie.nl, outside government
eParticipation the the Netherlands
2. Current approach and activities (3/3)
- 2008• Further development and takeup of experiments
• New experiments (digital pioniers)
• Regional meetings for civil servants on the local level: how to make eParticipation a succes
• eParticipation-Award
eParticipation the the Netherlands
3. Looking forward (1/2)
- Research: citizens want to be involved via the internet
- Political support seems to be rising
eParticipation the the Netherlands
3. Looking forward (2/2)
- But… strong resistance by government• politicians feel threathened
• little trust in the quality of citizens involvement
• lack of positive experiences
- Citizens’critique:• limited trust in participatory processes organised by
government
• badly informed
• nothing is done with their input
• lack of decent feedback mechanisms
eParticipation the the Netherlands
4. Relevance of eVoice
- Difficult situation in NL: high potential + strong restance
- Approach NL:• Stimulate small and concrete steps
• Stimulate cooperation (governments + citizens)
• Share experiences
• Inspiration: meet!
- eVoice helps in all of this
eParticipation the the Netherlands
5. Final Remarks
- Keep eParticipation on political agenda- Do it web2.0: rip it, find it, mix it, and share it!
eParticipation the the Netherlands
