Evoice Speech 22 Mei 2008

eParticipation in the Netherlands

Presentation for the Third International Forum on eDemocracy

d.d. 22 may 2008

eParticipation the the Netherlands

1. Looking back2. Current approach and activities3. Looking forward4. Relevance of eVoice programme5. Final Remarks

1. Looking back (1/2)

- eParticipation not a political priority- Van Boxtel / Van der Ploeg (1998-2002)

• exploration of social, economic, cultural and political impact of internet

• research, experiments

• eSkills (‘Digitale Trapveldjes’)

eParticipation the the Netherlands

1. Looking back (2/2)

- Balkenende (2002-2006)• 65% of government services online in 2007

• efficiency, effectiveness

• Generic digital infrastructure

- Balkenende (2006-…)• Open dialogues

• Citizen participation

• Citizens’ feedback on service delivery

eParticipation the the Netherlands

2. Current approach and activities (1/3)

- eParticipation as a strategic new challenge in eGovernment policy (2006)

- Definition: involving citizens in finding solutions for social issues in all phases of the policy process

- Three fields of involvement- Higher levels of participation- Internet as an additional channel for participation

eParticipation the the Netherlands

2. Current approach and activities (2/3)

- 2006• Setting up an informal network

• Quickscans

• brainstorm sessions: definition and longlist of ideas

- 2007• Six experiments

• eParticpation summit

• Creative sessions: networking and finding new ideas

• Community website eparticipatie.nl, outside government

eParticipation the the Netherlands

2. Current approach and activities (3/3)

- 2008• Further development and takeup of experiments

• New experiments (digital pioniers)

• Regional meetings for civil servants on the local level: how to make eParticipation a succes

• eParticipation-Award

eParticipation the the Netherlands

3. Looking forward (1/2)

- Research: citizens want to be involved via the internet

- Political support seems to be rising

eParticipation the the Netherlands

3. Looking forward (2/2)

- But… strong resistance by government• politicians feel threathened

• little trust in the quality of citizens involvement

• lack of positive experiences

- Citizens’critique:• limited trust in participatory processes organised by

government

• badly informed

• nothing is done with their input

• lack of decent feedback mechanisms

eParticipation the the Netherlands

4. Relevance of eVoice

- Difficult situation in NL: high potential + strong restance

- Approach NL:• Stimulate small and concrete steps

• Stimulate cooperation (governments + citizens)

• Share experiences

• Inspiration: meet!

- eVoice helps in all of this

eParticipation the the Netherlands

5. Final Remarks

- Keep eParticipation on political agenda- Do it web2.0: rip it, find it, mix it, and share it!

eParticipation the the Netherlands

Thank You!

Arnout [email protected]

eParticipation the the Netherlands