Open Data for Social Accountability Social Development Sector Day, World Bank February 23 rd, 2012 Jennifer Shkabatur Harvard University

Open data portals have become abundant. But who uses them?

1.The goals of open data 2. Challenges of open data Overview Improved governance Improved service delivery Getting the right data Effectively using the data Supply ≠ Demand SolutionsSolutions Citizen action IntermediariesIntermediaries

Why open data? Service Delivery Good Governance

1. Having the right data 2. Effectively using the data Two challenges

Demand ≢ Supply The data does not necessarily fit the needs of civil society Government is reluctant to release potentially sensitive data Having the right data

The demand cycle for open data Demand is often driven by technologists (e.g., Google, Ushahidi, OKFN) Civil society on the ground is disconnected Lack of sustainable interest in the data

Demand for open data Lack of sustainable civil society interest in the open data portal in Kenya

International Organizations + Intermediaries: CSOs, Journalists, Opinion leaders + Technologists Bridging supply and demand

Effectively using the data Public Sphere Citizen Action? Improved Services GovernmentGovernment Open Data Improved Governance ApplicationsApplications

Effectively using the data Public Sphere Intermediaries (+ Citizen action) Intermediaries Improved Services GovernmentGovernment Open Data Improved Governance ApplicationsApplications

The role of intermediaries Intermediaries bridge the gap between open data and citizens Raising awareness to open data opportunities Educating communities Implementing open data applications

1. Professionals and organizations are the most likely audience and users Open data for good governance 2. Open data applications do not displace, but supplement mainstream media 3. Open data applications do not undermine traditional CSOs, but amplify their strategies

Mexico: Subsidios al Campo Problem: wide spread corruption in the allocation of agricultural subsidies in Mexico Fundar (Mexican CSO) obtains information from Ministry of Agriculture and creates an online database Fundar then works with journalists and academics, using the database to expose corruption Online public database with data on the allocation of farm subsidies

India: Mumbai Votes Problem: voters lack accurate information about politicians. Mumbai Votes (Indian CSO) recruits volunteers to collect from public sources personal information on elected politicians. It creates an online database with this information. Mumbai votes then works with journalists who to use the database for their political news coverage. Online public database with information on politicians, including criminal records

Russia: “Rospil” Problem: wide spread corruption in the governmental procurement system. Rospil (Russian civil society initiative) uses a law that mandates to publicize all procurement tenders and contracts. Rospil encourages citizens to scrutinize the tenders and identify arguable and potentially illegal ones. Rospil then works with public interest lawyers who file complaints about the tenders and contracts and challenge them in court. All information about the proceedings is available on the Rospil website. Online public database with information on arguable procurement contracts and tenders

1.The goals of open data 2. Challenges of open data Summary Improved governance Improved service delivery Getting the right data Effectively using the data Supply ≠ Demand SolutionsSolutions Citizen action IntermediariesIntermediaries

ICT Thank you! Jennifer Shkabatur