Institutional Actions to Strengthen Open Data (GT0121)

Description of the commitment

This commitment seeks that the institutions of the Executive Branch, with citizen participation, define and initiate actions for the opening of data.

What is the problem that the compromise seeks to address?

The information and data generated by the Executive Branch institutions are limited and not accessible in open data format, which hinders transparency, governance, accountability, and citizen participation. This creates a gap between citizens and government, preventing citizens from having access to relevant and necessary information to make informed decisions and actively participate in the formulation of public policies. The commitment seeks to promote the opening of data in the institutions of the Executive Branch, establishing specific actions to make information accessible, transparent, and reusable; and to encourage citizen participation in this process; aand to promote greater collaboration between government and civil society

What causes the problem?

There are no established processes in the institutions that formalize citizen participation or for the definition and opening of data and information to respond adequately to requests. There are no guidelines to standardize the structure of data and its publication in the institutions of the Executive Branch, due to the institutional culture that keeps public information restricted. Although this may be due to security and privacy reasons; it also responds to the lack of knowledge about the benefits of opening data in the public administration. Insufficient public investment in infrastructure and tools limits the availability of technical, technological, and human resources to collect, process and publish public information in open data format. This can lead to a lack of motivation to adopt more open and transparent practices.

What has been done so far to solve the problem?

The National Open Data Policy was co-created through Governmental Agreement 199-2018. However, the validity of this policy ended in 2022. According to SEGEPLAN’s opinion, this policy remains valid until a new one is formulated.

▶ Training and massive open online courses - MOC - were conducted by the National Institute of Public Administration - INAP -, with the support of the Presidential Commission for Open and Electronic Government - GAE -, the National Secretariat of Science and Technology - SENACYT - and the Ministry of Government - MINGOB -.
▶ Support was provided by the Secretariat for Access to Public Information - SECAI - for the publication of public information in open formats.
▶ Participative updating of the Digital Government Plan, which includes Electronic Government programs in which some of the standard projects are: a) Data Openness, b) Participation and Collaboration.
▶ Multi-sectoral roundtables were organized for the co-creation of the update of the National Open Data Policy What is the proposed solution? Formalize the processes of openness and participation in the Executive Branch units. To have an awareness and training strategy on the topics of participation, collaboration, and open data. Within the framework of the Executive Branch modernization project, the aim is to establish formal processes that promote open data and citizen participation. This implies the definition of clear policies and the creation of institutional mechanisms to ensure transparency, governance, accountability, access to information, including the implementattation of a comprehensive strategy for awareness and training on the subject. Which outcomes do we want to achieve with the implementation of this commitment? The Executive Branch is expected to implement effective strategies for the opening of data, facilitating access to relevant data and promoting transparency in government management.
▶ The incorporation of citizen participation in the data opening process, it is expected to strengthen the relationship between government and citizens, through co-creation and collaboration in the Executive’s proposals and strategies. This will allow for more inclusive decision making based on the needs of citizens.
▶ The availability of open data and citizen participation can stimulate innovation and the generation of value in public processes.

How will transparency be promoted within the commitment?

This commitment will promote the transparency of the Executive Branch’s institutions by having standards agreed upon in working groups with CSOs.

How will the commitment help promote accountability?

This commitment will promote accountability based on the agreed standards.

How will the commitment enhance citizen participation in defining, implementing, and monitoring solutions?

This commitment will promote citizen participation in the institutions of the Executive Branch since spaces will be created for civil society to request useful data

Commitment Planning (Milestones | Expected Results | Start Date | End Date)

Milestone 1: Based on a participatory methodology with CSOs and representatives of the vulnerable population, data sets will be proposed to promote the implementation of the open data format in the institutions of the Executive Branch. This will be done within the framework of the thematic roundtables of the Executive Branch modernization project. | The Executive Branch institutions have open data sets proposed by CSOs and prioritized by groups in conditions of vulnerability such as: indigenous peoples, women, and youth, LGBTIQ+ people, among others. | June 2023 | June 2025

Milestone 2: GAE will manage the sensitization and training of officials and staff of the Executive Branch on open data, e-government, and public information, with a focus on vulnerable populations. The Executive Branch institutions have open data sets proposed by CSOs and prioritized by groups in conditions of vulnerability such as: indigenous peoples, women, and youth, LGBTIQ+ people, among others. | To have officials and public servants within the executive branch with technical capacities and tools to promote the opening of data with a focus on vulnerable populations. | July 2023 | January 2024 - June 2025
Milestone 3: GAE, in coordination with public institutions and with the support of civil society, created the open data observatory. | To have an open data observatory, institutionalized, promoted and disseminated with broad citizen participation. Establish minimum criteria for the observation of open data to guide the development and the approach of various thematic observatories in the short term. | June 2023 | June 2025
Milestone 4 : Strengthening access to public information from a citizen’s perspective | Report on access to public information by civil organizations. Training and technical assistance to civil organizations. Training to Public Information Units of the Executive Branch. Socialization of results with the Public Information Units of the Executive Branch and regulatory authority of the matter." | February 2024 | June 2025