Using information and communication technology (ICT) to improve transparency in bank-financed projects

Abstract

Citizens all over the world are calling on their governments to increase transparency and improve governance. An increasing number of governments respond to this call by passing access to information legislation and using increasingly available information and communication technologies (ICTs) to make information accessible. At the end of 2012, some 93 countries had explicit access to information (AI) laws, and 54 countries have committed via the open government partnership to use ICT to become more transparent. The World Bank emerged as the leading international organization in terms of transparency with the introduction of an AI policy that allows unprecedented access to World Bank data and project-related information. This information is accessible through websites, mobile apps, social media, and even geographic information systems. However, introducing these kinds of "e-Transparency" measures requires resources including time and money. This note provides an outline of recent developments in the areas of AI and ICT and offers suggestions and practical examples on how to translate this potential into better project outcomes. While traditional ICTs such as radio and television (TV) continue to play an important role in AI, given the wealth of publications on traditional ICTs, this note focuses exclusively on the more recent internet, geospatial, and mobile technologies. This report is structured as follows: chapter one presents making the right information available; chapter two deals with how to make information accessible- ICT tools for transparency; chapter three deals with from theory to action; and chapter four presents resources and support.