Public Services

Know your data formats

By Neil Ashton from Open Knowledge Foundation for the School of Data Program 

The emancipatory potential of data lies dormant until data is given life in computational applications. Data visualizations, interactive applications, and even simple analyses of data all require that data be made intelligible to some kind of computational process. Democratic engagement with data depends on data being intelligible to as many forms of computation as possible.

How can citizens create laws via internet and on other e-participation tools?

By Ewa Stokluska

When we think about the contribution of various ICT tools to participation, first of all we must remember about broadening the space for civic deliberation. Technology has dramatically increased citizens' ability to communicate with the authorities and the possibility of democratic discussion on public affairs. It means that big groups of people have been given an opportunity to express their opinions, take part in deliberation and even declare their preferences in important matters through voting, regardless of their current location and at a minimal cost.

E-participation: what it means and what might it look like

Written by Eva Stokluska

A mysterious word beginning with the letter "p" has recently been on everyone's lips. To put it simply – it means "taking part", engaging in social activities aimed at the common good. There are two types of participation: social (horizontal) and civic (vertical). The first one involves various common activities, working together towards a common goal. The second one relates to a specific segment of our activities – when we act as citizens – among ourselves, but usually in relation to the authorities aiming at a purpose that is defined as public, political or civil. Such participation means making active attempts to influence decisions about public life, getting involved in public affairs and taking part in actions that shape them.

Free software or we will be boiled like frogs

Free software is everywhere and you are probably already using it without knowing it. Starting from the internet infrastructure and web browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, databases and website servers, Android phones, Linux operating systems to critical military or scientific systems, free software makes all that possible.

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