Introducing the e-Governance Layer

Philosopher Aaron Bastani argues that emerging technologies could disrupt our political and economic systems by instrumentalizing desires and projects once considered not technologically feasible. Cases such as e-Estonia and the implementation of 5G networks worldwide pose new opportunities for governments and GovTech startups. These technologies could serve both as infrastructure and a benchmark for adapted, international versions of digitized governance and connected structures.

In this project, we forecasted emerging technologies that facilitate administrative processes while still responding to the demands of digitization when it comes to digital threats including deep fakes and algorithmic biases. Above all, such tools aim to more closely connect public opinion with politicians, so decisions are taken in a more collective, participatory way. With more data being produced after public opinion, it is thus possible to figure out new ways to face challenges in fields such as taxation (and thus responding to inequality and poverty), law enforcement, surveillance, as well as the rule of law.

But because some changes and decisions were taken before crowdsourced solutions and platforms were implemented, we see populations going to the street to respond to these actions, as it was the case of Chile and Hong Kong, whose populations were against the use of CCTV cameras with facial recognition. In other words, although emerging technologies pose novel ways to solve on-going problems, it is still necessary to question how ready and how desirable these tools are, as for IBM’s decision to close their center of facial recognition research. Henceforth, how can we actually take advantage of technology without compromising people’s lives and privacy? This question demands answers that go beyond applying robust software to protect a specific database. In this project, we try to address solutions considering novel ways of thinking different future governances including their citizens' aims and wishes.

In an effort to support more dialogue and better cooperation between technology experts and actors involved in international development, GIZ, together with Envisioning, jointly developed the techDetector, an analytical tool that determines the TRL, as well as its sustainable impact on emerging technologies. During the research process, we assessed dozens of technology applications according to NASA’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL), from 1 (the lowest level of technology maturation) to 9 (technology is already being fixed and incorporated into new systems), and created several stories that disclose in depth the role and impact of business models employed in the governance sector.

You are now invited to navigate this project and explore a path towards a more sustainable future for us and all.