Understanding Governance Dynamics: The Governing System of Spatial Data Infrastructures

The importance and influence of spatial data has risen in all kinds of governmental and non-governmental processes, giving spatial data infrastructures (SDIs) a key role in spatial data sharing and dissemination. SDIs are nowadays challenged by new technologies and user demands. Proper SDI governance seems essential, but it is unclear to what extent current SDI governing systems are fully equipped to deal with the dynamics and complexity of SDIs. This research proposes a governing system framework for analysing the governing system of SDIs, adapted from the concepts of Kooiman. This framework is applied to two Dutch SDI cases: the Risk Map and the New Map of the Netherlands. With the help of the framework, the strong and weak aspects of the governing system of SDIs become more apparent and insights emerge on which interactions, images, instruments, actions and structures enable or constrain SDI governance. By observing changes in governing systems over time, SDI governance dynamics become visible. The governing system framework brings a new perspective to SDIs and SDI theory and is a potentially useful analytical tool for SDI governors

Understanding Governance Dynamics: The Governing System of Spatial Data Infrastructures

The importance and influence of spatial data has risen in all kinds of governmental and non-governmental processes, giving spatial data infrastructures (SDIs) a key role in spatial data sharing and dissemination. SDIs are nowadays challenged by new technologies and user demands. Proper SDI governance seems essential, but it is unclear to what extent current SDI governing systems are fully equipped to deal with the dynamics and complexity of SDIs. This research proposes a governing system framework for analysing the governing system of SDIs, adapted from the concepts of Kooiman. This framework is applied to two Dutch SDI cases: the Risk Map and the New Map of the Netherlands. With the help of the framework, the strong and weak aspects of the governing system of SDIs become more apparent and insights emerge on which interactions, images, instruments, actions and structures enable or constrain SDI governance. By observing changes in governing systems over time, SDI governance dynamics become visible. The governing system framework brings a new perspective to SDIs and SDI theory and is a potentially useful analytical tool for SDI governors

We asked, you said, we did: assessing the drivers and effectiveness of an e-participation practice in Scotland

E-participation refers to the process of engaging citizens and stakeholders in policy and decision-making process to make public administration participatory and transparent. This chapter explores the main drivers behind the introduction of an e-participation practice in Scotland called We asked, you said, we did, and assesses its effectiveness. The combination of documentary analysis of Scottish public sector reform reports and a series of in-depth interviews reveals that the so-called Scottish Approach to policy-making has strongly influenced the adoption and use of We asked, you said, we did. The practice has contributed to the way the Scottish Government works in collaboration with stakeholders and citizens in designing and revising policy and has fostered the co-production of solutions to public policy problems. However, the Scottish Government need to utilize it at the ‘right’ time and on appropriate issues so that it can make a real difference to policy outcomes