From closed government systems in the Middle East to an exceptionally open Dutch government. Public administration lecturer Alex Ingrams is an expert on transparency: 'Why are some countries secretive? And what role does technology play?'
Can you tell me about your most recent research?
'It focuses on responsibility and innovation - the two core ideas behind transparency in governance. When you make a lot of government data available online, companies can use it. Take waste collection as an example: if businesses know how much waste is collected in each neighbourhood, they can create apps and websites to inform citizens. When this is applied across service domains, it is known as the triple helix approach to innovation: business, government and researchers working together. In terms of open government, the Netherlands is one of the most progressive countries.'
Why does the Netherlands choose transparency?
'It could be out of public pressure, but a more positive view is that the government takes inspiration from practices already common in the tech world. Large tech companies increasingly work with open source: they make parts of their technology available so that others can build on it. This stimulates innovation while allowing them to retain intellectual property rights.
The Dutch government is doing something similar: by opening up data and systems, it encourages external parties to develop new applications. This can lead to growth and innovation. The private sector has its own problems with transparency but the government can still look to it for ideas.'
How did your fascination with transparency begin?
'I first studied Middle Eastern Studies and learned Arabic. I was always interested in comparing cultures, countries and their systems of governance, particularly in areas where governments face major challenges and conflict. Why and how can you change corrupt governments? Why do some countries choose transparency while others choose secrecy?'
More transparency, less corruption?
'That is the idea, one of the assumptions you want to test and understand. My interest began with the question of how corruption works and how it can be addressed. During my PhD research, which I completed in 2017, there had already been a digital transformation underway for quite some time. The Arab Spring, which faded in 2012, was partly driven by social media, enabling corrupt governments to be ousted.
I now look beyond the Middle East and focus more generally on transparency and technology, comparing approaches in different countries. This is being researched in the Netherlands, the UK, Germany and the United States, among others.'
Alex Ingrams on specialisation DBM
Alex Ingrams coordinates the Bachelor's specialisation in Digitalisation, Governance and Society (DBM) within the Public Administration programme. In this specialisation, students learn about data and digital skills that are essential for professionals in the public sector. 'Policymakers are increasingly confronted with digital challenges: think of the childcare benefits scandal, data breaches, cyberattacks or the use of algorithms. There is also growing attention for the fairness and ethics of data use. You don't have to be a computer scientist to tackle these problems, but it certainly helps if you understand how data science works, and when it is ethical and responsible to use technology.'
Is digital development really the responsibility of government?
'Yes, I believe it is. Government is a key driver of innovation and economic growth. While we place great trust in the freedom of commercial markets, the influence of digital technology has become so great that governments can no longer remain on the sidelines. Tech companies pursue profit and market dominance, and data has become the new oil.
Governments must take a more active role in protecting fundamental rights - for example, by demanding transparency in algorithms and critically assessing the use of AI technologies such as facial recognition. There are also proposals for independent data centres to strengthen oversight. Yet government often lags behind, while tech companies lobby to influence, for example, AI regulation. I wouldn't call it a battle with tech companies, but the tension is high.'
What should government do now in the field of digitalisation - and perhaps in the future?
'Digitalisation affects all aspects of our lives, so government must play a much more active role. It is crucial to clearly define which public values must be safeguarded and what risks technology poses. Consider the impact of AI and the widespread dissemination of disinformation and fake news, which makes it harder to make well-informed political decisions.
Another challenge is that data sharing within government is still lagging. A lot of data is collected but often not shared due to privacy concerns. As a result, valuable information - such as for climate policy - remains fragmented.'
Ongoing research: can AI grade students?
Alex Ingrams: 'Through my work, I have increasingly focused on education - particularly on combining teaching and research. They reinforce each other. That's why I collaborate with ministries and universities on various projects to better understand which digital skills public managers need today and in the future.'
- 'One concrete example of ongoing research is the question of whether AI is suitable for grading students' work. We want to know how students feel about it, and whether it can be a fair, efficient supplement to traditional assessment methods. The central question is: how do we find the right balance between human and technological assessment? Saving time is valuable - but not if it comes at the expense of motivation or quality.'
