Lessons from the
“Puzzled by Policy?”
e-Participation project
Gyula TAKÁCS
National Infocommunications
Services Company Ltd. (NISZ)
Kunbábony, Hungary
12th July 2013
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Main project data
Funding:
Call Identifier:
Time frame:
Project start:
Implementation:
Pilot locations:
EU – Policy Support Program (PSP); 50%
CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis
36 months
1st Oct. 2010.
12 partners from 9 EU MS
- Athens (EL)
- Canary Islands (ES)
- Hungary (HU)
- City of Turin (IT)
- EU + Slovenia
(led by pilot coordinator INePA)
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Project participants
1
Coordinator
National University of Ireland, Galway – Digital Enterprise Research
Institute
NUIG
Ireland
2
Participant
Zavod Inštitut za elektronsko participacijo
INePA
Slovenia
3
Participant
Athens Technology Centre S.A.
ATC
Greece
4
Participant
Città di Torino
CoT
Italy
5
Participant
Greek Research and Technology Network S.A.
GRNET
Greece
6
Participant
21c Consultancy Ltd.
21C
UK
7
Participant
European University Institute
EUI
Italy
8
Participant
LUSA – Agência de Notícias de Portugal SA
LUSA
Portugal
9
Participant
Cyntelix Corportation BV
CCB
Netherlands
10
Participant
Universidad La Laguna
ULL
Spain
11
Participant
Dimos Athinaion Epicheirisi Michanografisis S.A.
DAEM
Greece
12
Participant
National Infocommunications Service Company Ltd.
NISZ
Hungary
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Project participants
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Objectives
“PbP aims to reduce the complexity of decision
making within the EU and reconnect citizens
with politics and policymaking by combining
successful pre-existing eParticipation tools with
new widget technologies to bring policymaking
on the hot topic of immigration and migration
‘to the people’ in a manner that is both fun and
engaging.”
(Description of Work)
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Target users
• mass of everyday citizens
[target: 4 × 1500]
• hard-to-reach (or: least participating)
[target: 4 × 100]
– young
– disabled
– unemployed
– immigrant
(least participating despite being subjects of
policy in focus)
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Methods
Approach
Technique
Instrument
“Inform”
Immigration policy
analyzed, coded,
quizzified;
stakeholders mapped
Policy Profiler (PP) on
the Platform
PP in the Widget, going
viral in social media
U-debate
on the Platform
Consultation reports,
response letters, liaising
with decision makers
“Consult”
Structured debate
forum
“Empower Series of feedbacks
”
between the
represented and the
representing ones
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Piloting – Scope of activities
• Test & localize platform
• Communication efforts to involve
– main stakeholders: to provide reference positions...
– users (incl. the hard-to-reach)
– decision makers
– NGOs
• reach & involve their network
• consult for topics
• lead debates
• Facilitate debates (moderate; push forward)
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Piloting – Stats (first 3+ months)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
email: 274
phone: 195
FB post: 131
meeting: 39
online article: 27
press release: 22
web banner: 12
widget: 11
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
workshop: 10
interview: 10
official letter: 10
local event: 10
LinkedIn post: 8
Flicker post: 7
blog: 7
focus group: 7
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Policy coding (EU immigr. policy)
Generic dimensions
Topical dimensions
•
Issues
Number of
immigrants
Rights of
immigrants
(1) Immigration for employment purposes
•
Immigration policies oriented towards skilled workers should be
encouraged as a means of fostering economic growth.
+
0
•
...
+
+
0
-
(2) Immigration for studying purposes
(3) Immigration for family reunification
(4) Integration, long-term residence and naturalization
•
Immigrants from outside Europe should be required to accept our
culture and values.
(5) Illegal immigration, readmission and return policies
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Platform (join.puzzledbypolicy.eu)
2016.07.01.
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
11
...in five languages
2016.07.01.
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
12
Policy Profiler
2016.07.01.
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
13
Policy Profiler – Statements
level of agreement; perceived importance
2016.07.01.
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
14
Policy Profiler – Positions (stakeh.)
2016.07.01.
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
15
Policy Profiler – Positions (users)
2016.07.01.
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
16
U-debate – Topics
2016.07.01.
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
17
U-debate – Debates
2016.07.01.
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
18
Login / Registration
2016.07.01.
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
19
PP in the Widget
2016.07.01.
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
20
Usage statistics (2013-07-11)
Greece
Hungary
Italy
Spain
English/
Other
All
PP
(Platform)
PP
(Widget)
PP
(Total)
uDebate
posts
uDebate
Unique Users
Registered
Users
894
287
1.181
126
25
151
1.042
110
1.152
157
20
72
875
177
1.052
104
23
74
1.895
114
2.009
416
310
1.227
555
75
630
363
18
89
5.261
763
6.024
1.166
396
1.621
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Hard-to-reach (PP; 2013-06-20)
Born in
other
countries
All
350
Unemployed
>50 or
<18
years of
age
227
514
Finished
only
primary
school or
less
51
All
hard-to-reach
users
(min.)
Total
planned
for pilot
operation
Difference
1.142
400
+ 742
100
+ 62
(~ 20%)
Hungary
40
(+ 13
"emigrant")
6
88
21
162
(25% of those
w/ known
demography)
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
PP usage
5
Testing only
Widget
Anonymous
Registered user
score
900
700
4
600
500
3
400
300
2
200
100
Date
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
2013-05-14
2013-04-14
2013-03-15
2013-02-13
2013-01-14
2012-12-15
2012-11-15
2012-10-16
2012-09-16
2012-08-17
2012-07-18
2012-06-18
2012-05-19
2012-04-19
2012-03-20
1
2012-02-19
0
2012-01-20
PP usage (cummulated)
800
Score (moving average of last 20 days)
1000
What pushed forward PP usage?
• Launch
– disseminations (press!)
• 2012-05-10
– Workshop with students of Corvinus University
• 2012-09-30
– "Shape Immigration Policy with Just a Few Clicks"
in: Civil Participation Week (CPW) – Thank You!
• 2013-04
– Social media campaign
• 2013-05
– eHungary Points: 'IT mentors' asked again via the Ministry of National
Development
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
U-debate usage
U-debate usage
160
External user
140
Mediated
120
PbP internal
100
80
60
40
20
Date
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
13.05.13
13.04.13
13.03.13
13.02.13
13.01.13
12.12.13
12.11.13
12.10.13
12.09.13
12.08.13
12.07.13
12.06.13
12.05.13
12.04.13
12.03.13
12.02.13
0
12.01.13
Posts
• 180
U-debate usage factors
• approx. 18 registered users entered 43 posts
• plus 28 mediated posts from 6-7 guest users
• 2012-09
– posts about emigration and illegal immigration
• 2013-02
– FB campaign to invite posts on UBI
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
U-debate usage: number of posts by topic & thread
Posts:
ext'l
Topic
Loc
Thread
Interaction of immigration policy with
other domains
E
Unconditional Basic Income and immigration
42
34
Immigration for employment purposes
H
Professions and migration
21
10
Immigration for employment purposes
H
Migration of entrepreneurs
17
6
Immigration for studying purposes
H
Education policies aiming at reaping labour market benefits
17
7
Long-term residents and naturalization
policy
H
Integration of immigrants in general
16
7
Illegal Immigration
H
Possible measures against illegal immigration.
12
12
Emigration
H
Challenges of the trends in the emigration from Hungary
10
2
H
The European Parliament amended the regulation on the
border guard agency, Frontex. What effects are to be
expected?
9
3
Long-term residents and naturalization
policy
H
Immigration policy as a means to adjust demographical
trends in Hungary
5
2
Long-term residents and naturalization
policy
H
Policies targeting ethnic Hungarians beyond the borders
5
4
Illegal Immigration
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Posts
Policy makers' involvement
• Ministry of Interior (was helpful; now only little new content of their
interest)
• Commissioner for Fundamental Rights (law prevents their activity)
• Ministry of National Development (contact point to eHungary Points)
• Ministry of Human Resources (interested in consultation on social
integration domain)
• Ministry of National Economy (relevant re UBI)
• Ministry of Public Administration and Justice (might become relevant
depending on cooperation with the Come Home Foundation:
– Emigration \ (H) Hungarians returning from abroad
– Immigration for studying purposes\ (H) Recognition of diplomas abroad
• Municipalities (no reply, yet…)
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Success factors
• Achieve critical mass of users
Ways to "cheat":
– Organize workshops for users
• students, immigrants, etc.
– Involve NGOs
• their networks: organized, active communities
– Focus on hot topics
• ongoing policy process?
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Comparison: the Facebook ecosystem
• "apps on Facebook create user engagement that enables
us to show ads;
• Platform developers purchase advertising on Facebook
to drive traffic to their apps and websites;
• Platform developers use our Payment system to facilitate
transactions with users;
• Users’ engagement with Platform apps and websites
contributes to our understanding of users’ interests and
preferences, improving our ability to personalize content."
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Challenges to sustainability
• Product: Immigration tool vs. ePart platform?
• The pilot project has had a thematic focus
• Could other topics create unforeseen
technical/organisational problems?
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Challenges to sustainability
• PP: sensitive for no. of topics
– Need for expert input to create statements
– Question of bias/trust: we need
–independent experts for each use case
OR
–Web2.0 (folksonomy):
U-debate could precede/prepare PP
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Challenges to sustainability
• U-debate: sensitive for number of users
– critical mass (hen and egg dilemma)
–users wait for each other to attend
–d/m`s wait for users
–users wait for d/m`s
–NGO`s wait for users
– easy posting (lightweight solution) vs. easy reading
(semantic & language technologies)
–Now posting is easy (no constraints)
–New addition on its way to facilitate automatic
summarization (the hard way)
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Challenges to sustainability
• Optimize for grant vs. needs
(elaborate lessons vs. fail fast)
• Grant applicants compete to maximize a
limited, predefined set of short term, well
measurable goals
• During implementation, the project is
relatively inflexible compared to market
endeavours
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Challenges to sustainability
• Audience: exclusion vs. over-inclusion?
• Example: flames in a blog sharing reports of new
expatriates from Hungary
• Someone wrote the motto of the blog (“The country crossed a
border, so we did the same”) suggested an individualistic
attitude, excluding oneself from the option of bettering the country
one belongs to (a stance coinciding with recent government efforts
to retain young, active people for the benefit of a stagnating
domestic economy).
• Many readers felt offended or enraged. They disagreed with the
“tendency” of the moderator to allow such entries to appear,
and implied they would leave the forum.
• Is it (only) the Hungarian society that it so divided?
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Challenges to sustainability
• Audience: exclusion vs. over-inclusion?
• Example: sensitive immigrants in the Spanish pilot site
• certain statements in the quiz felt offensive:
“Irregular immigrants should be returned to their country of origin
immediately.” and
“Irregular immigrants who have lived and worked in the country for
many years without committing a crime should be offered legal
residence”
• The pilot lead used Appreciative Inquiry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appreciative_inquiry
an organizational development method which focuses on
increasing what an organization does well rather than on
eliminating what it does badly. Through an inquiry which appreciates
the positive and engages all levels of an organization (and often its
customers and suppliers) it seeks to renew, develop and build on
this. (PbP: "Cultural diversity is an asset")
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)
Challenges to sustainability
• Audience: exclusion vs. over-inclusion?
• What is common?
The recognition of being in minority elevating an already
existing discomfort over the prospect of having one’s
opportunities curbed.
• Can citizens with existential fears and conflicting
interests discuss policy about them without too much
bias, at the same virtual table with others?
• Perhaps, a policy entrepreneur or a good eParticipation
tool not only needs to bring people together but also to
either (temporarily) separate certain groups, or rephrase
their positions in order to stimulate all.
Puzzled by Policy: Helping you to be part of the EU (CIP-ICT-PSP-2009-3bis)
Funded by Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme – ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)