Increase the institutional capacity of civil society organizations to better advocate for improvements in government service provision.
Empowering Innovation and Citizen Collaboration through public data in Panama
Description
This project aims to promote public innovation in Panama through a collaborative approach. One of its main objectives is to empower civil society to demand greater accessibility to public information. It also seeks to train public officials in implementing the international standards regarding Open Data.
The project fosters assertive collaboration between the Panamanian government and its citizens in order to implement social innovation projects. Building pro-transparency coalitions among civil society, private sector, and local governments/autonomous entities is key to improving the institutional capacity and legitimacy of public institutions.
Panama, through Open Data initiatives, can increase its citizen participation in the public arena, which will significantly improve the provision of government services.
Project purpose
The program seeks to support both Panamanian local governments and civil society in their joint discussions and analysis of public data, as well as enhance easier access to public information and thus provide effective accountability mechanisms for citizens, as well as enhance easier access to public information and thus provide effective accountability mechanisms for citizens.
Project goals
Promote the innovative use and dissemination of best practices regarding Open Data.
Promote effective collaboration between government and civil society through coalition-building processes and social innovation mini-grants.
Main achievements
Structure
Public officials, civil society, academia, the private sector, and media outlets learn together about the latest trends and tools for an effective Open Government. Training is facilitated by top regional experts.
A multi-stakeholder debate is crucial to any open government initiative. Dialogue allows participants not only to engage in the development of a specific outcome but also to contribute with their own expertise. The dialogue table methodology allows participants to understand issues better and reach agreements.
As part of the capacity building process, participants can co-create solutions and compete for seed funds put their plans into motion.