Mapping the Societal Benefts of Transparency (NL0066)

Brief Description of the Commitment

Mapping the societal benefits of government information transparency through literature review, analysis of Wob/Woo requests from the last 15 years, and interviews with stakeholders.

Problem Definition

1. What problem does the commitment aim to address? • In recent years, research has been conducted at regular intervals on the costs of transparency (SEO 2013, ABD Topconsult 2016, Ecorys 2019). However, much less attention has been given to the societal effects and benefits of transparency. • In light of discussions regarding the usefulness, necessity, and scope of government information transparency, it is desirable to gain a better understanding of the benefits of transparency.

2. What are the causes of the problem? • Transparency in government is a crucial pillar of a democratic rule of law. In practice, transparency also results in a significant workload for civil servants, including searching and retrieving relevant documents and assessing exceptions. As a result, much attention is dedicated to these practical matters, while less attention is given to the ‘bigger picture’ that highlights the benefits of transparency. Commitment Description 1. What has been done so far to solve the problem? • In the Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) of the Dutch Open Government Act (Woo) conducted by Ecorys (2019), the benefits of transparency are quantified by using the search time of civil servants as a parameter. However, none of the previously mentioned CBAs have investigated the societal value of transparency. 2. What solution are you proposing? • This research includes several actions to assess the societal benefits of transparency: - Literature review of national and international publications on the benefits of transparency. - Identification of several significant issues that have emerged over the past 15 years, partly through the use of Wob/Woo. - Selection of ten cases for in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders. - Reporting of findings. • This has not been done before. This research can provide a better understanding of various types of societal benefits, such as identifying social misconduct, preventing the misuse of public funds, or uncovering unintended effects of regulations.

3. What results do we want to achieve by implementing this commitment? • Understanding the societal benefits of transparency. • Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the non-disclosure or untimely sharing of relevant government information.

Commitment Analysis

1. How will the commitment promote transparency? The commitment will lead to a better understanding of the societal benefits that transparency in governance yields.

2. How will the commitment help foster accountability? This commitment will lead to a clearer understanding of the benefits of transparency and contribute to improved accountability of the transparency regime.

3. How will the commitment improve citizen participation in defining, implementing, and monitoring solutions? For this commitment, several civil society organizations will be actively approached.

Commitment Planning (Milestones | Expected Outputs | Expected Completion Date)

Mapping 100 issues that have received public attention in the past 15 years and involved the use of the Wob/Woo. | Literature review of national and international publications on the benefits of transparency. Report findings. | Spring 2024

Selection of 10 cases, interviews with relevant stakeholders. | Summer 2024

Report findings. | Fall 2024