eDemocracy

Diplomarbeit von Matthias Ulrich

Abstract:

Research on electronic democracy is still limited to a number of institutions, researchers and academics. Nevertheless, interest in the topic grows and new trends and best practices arise. The aim of this thesis was to elaborate on the founding principles of eDemocracy, to build a model for designing eDemocracy initiatives and to examine the current status quo of eDemocracy projects within the European Commission. This thesis is divided into two parts: a theoretical part and an empirical part. In order to build a solid foundation of the core principles of eDemocracy the thesis links reform mechanisms, which were developed under the New Public Management efforts, to economical and institutional theories that scientifically support the necessity for new ways of governance. It becomes clear that the evolution of eDemocracy is an outcome of diverse political and economical influences and that eDemocracy can substantiate efforts to re-invent governmental work processes.

The first part of this thesis is based on an extensive literature research from various academic disciplines, including Economics, Institutional Theory, Information Technology and Political Studies. Sources for the theoretical part come from academic literature, academic journals and documents retrieved from the World Wide Web. The theories examined and the conclusions drawn upon these theories serve the purpose to gain a deeper understanding for the need to reform the public sector and to improve its outcomes. Further, those findings allow us to incorporate eDemocracy into the eGovernment and eGovernance efforts, which are aimed to digitize governmental work processes.

The model developed in part one acts as a benchmark for the examination of current public online engagement efforts on a European-wide level. The European Commission’s web site, http://europa.eu.int, is scrutinized, in order to examine the current level of design and operability of the Commission’s efforts in engaging the public in decision- and policy-making. For the evaluation of the success of these efforts, insights gathered from a personal interview with officials from the Interactive Policy Making team of the European Commission are incorporated. Additionally, online documents on the European Commission’s official web site are examined that substantiate the Commission’s intent to promote eDemocracy efforts and to make online engagement tools more accessible and more effective in the future.

Public choice and managerialism theories advocate the need to restore ownership over bureaucracies, in order to curb exploding expenditures within the public sector; and to introduce market mechanisms for a better and more customer-oriented service provision. Accordingly, the introduction of electronic services is regarded as a tactical means to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of governmental and bureaucratic work processes, on one hand, and to strengthen the representative function of politicians and government agents, on the other. eDemocracy, further, opens new ways for dialogue between the democratic stakeholders within society. Open and transparent exchange of views and ideas leads to better governmental and bureaucratic outcomes, which further foster the accountability equation of governmental agencies.

Furthermore, a model for the design and execution of eDemocracy initiatives is proposed, which rests upon three pillars: eConsultation, eParticipation and eVoting. Together, these three elements enable the citizenry to execute their democratic rights, by allowing them to express their opinions and concerns about politics, and to take an active part in the design of new policies. Through frequent and extensive inclusion of the public’s voice, governments can improve democratic outcomes and promote a better reputation of their institutions. The result is a more transparent and accountable government.

Public online engagement, as implemented by the European Commission, is gaining momentum as is evidenced by the growing number of participants. Online consultations and the Feedback mechanism are the two main instruments to incorporate the opinions and experiences of citizens, consumers and businesses in the policy- and decision-making of the European Commission’s legislative bodies. Although participation rates increase, weak promotion efforts within and between Member States still pose a severe impediment for extensive online participation. eParticipation initiatives, i.e. through online discussions and chats, are part of the European Commission’s eDemocracy efforts but they rather serve informative purposes. The input provided on such fora is not part for official policy-deliberations. eVoting projects are planned for the future but security and technological shortcomings have to be resolved, first.

The provision of governmental services and the very nature of governance changes with the ever growing influence of Information and Communication Technologies in all governmental institutions. This thesis is examining the design and success of the European Commission’s efforts to engage the citizens, consumers and businesses in policy- and decision making, in order to improve the democratic and political outcomes. The theoretical part of this thesis makes the rationale clear why reforms of governmental agencies are necessary. It provides theoretical evidence on why eDemocracy improves the working processes of political and bureaucratic agencies and how best practices can facilitate such initiatives.

A sound design of eDemocracy programs is imperative, in order to attract citizens and businesses to make use of the initiatives on one hand, and to maximize the potential of an engaged citizenry in politics, on the other. The three pillar model, as is developed in this thesis, offers a platform for such design. It stipulates governments to offer two-way communication and participation tools that promote transparency, accountability, democratic affiliation and effectiveness of political programs and policy proposals. The European Commission has introduced a single access point for citizens, consumers and businesses, in order to promote electronic democracy and to gather and store crucial information that is used in policy-making.

The main initiatives are online consultations and the, so called, Feedback mechanism, accessible through the official web site of the European Union, http://europa.eu.int/yourvoice. Both tools give the interested stakeholder the possibility to express his or her view, opinion, concern or experience on various matters concerning the European Union and its institutions. Although the initiative is relatively new and evolving, success is perceptible and satisfaction increases. Nevertheless, promotion is still weak and eParticipation as well as eVoting have a long way to go before they can be truly encompassed into eDemocracy within the European Union.

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