Improving electronic engagement and participation, Saudi Arabia

Outline
Team
  • Expected start date:
    2021•07•01
    Expected end date:
    2021•12•31
    Institute:
    UNU-EGOV
    Project Status:
    Closed
    Project Type:
    Research
    Project Manager :
    Morten Meyerhoff Nielsen

    BACKGROUND

    To underpin Vision 2030 objective of increased engagement and innovation by releasing of high quality, value-adding, engagement with government entities online (i.e. eParticipation), the team assist the Digital Government Authority (DGA), in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with the development of a global best practice framework and eParticipation concept and portal. The aim is to increase the opportunities for and promotion of an active and engagement culture in the country. In doing to inclusion of all groups in society is key, not least the traditionally at risk from marginalisation such as girls, women, persons with disabilities, low income and rural communities. 

    OBJECTIVES

    The objective of the Electronic Participation Project (EPP) is two-fold. First, to assist with the development of a global best practice framework and electronic participation (eParticipation) solution for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Second, to increase the opportunities and promote an active engagement culture in KSA. 

    If successful benefits for Saudi Arabia, and the Digital Government Authority (DGA) includes:

    Establish a global best practice eParticipation framework for KSA. Assess the eParticipation landscape in KSA. Boost an engagement culture in KSA and increased the opportunities for active engagement, consultation, petition and participation and to facilitating activities in relation to the eParticipation approach and framework in KSA. Enrich the eParticipation engagement offers, improve their quality and their use.

    The project also: 

    Underpin Vision 2030 objective of increased engagement and innovation by releasing high quality, value-adding, engagement with government entities online (i.e. eParticipation). Facilitate improved Saudi Arabia’s performance on UNDESA E-Participation Index (EPI).

    ACTIVITIES

    Project activities include: 

    Recommend key conceptual form and format.

    Recommend relevant technical features.

    Recommend catalogue of 5-10 key forms of online engagements (non-legal).

    Recommend Service Level Greeements and processes for the eParticipation team.

    Recommend key KSA engagement sites and initiatives to cross-reference and link to.

    OUTCOMES

    Project outcomes include: 

    Assist with the development of a global best practice framework and eParticipation Portal for KSA.

    Increase the opportunities and promote an active engagement culture in KSA.

    Establish a global best practice eParticipation framework for KSA.

    Assess the eParticipation landscape in KSA.

    Boost an engagement culture in KSA and increased the opportunities for active engagement, consultation, petition and participation and to facilitating activities in relation to the eParticipation approach and framework in KSA.

    Enrich the eParticipation engagement offers, improve their quality and their use.

    • Morten Meyerhoff Nielsen
      Project Manager
    • Elisabete Simões
      Administrator
    • Mariana Lameiras
      Researcher