| Popis: |
Globalization is a challenge for the traditional understanding of the nation-state as foundation of political decision-making, and as institutions responsible for solving problems in modern societies. In addition, globalization drastically limits the possibilities of the classical national welfare state in managing its own society and economy. In this paper, we will focus on information-communication-technological mechanisms that, as a result of the globalization process, have introduced new modalities of public affairs management, and involving citizens as actors in the policy processes. Especially at local level the ICTs supported tools are expected to enable a greater level of transparency and openness, promote accountability and effective provision of public services. Two instruments of participatory local government in Croatia are analysed by using the method of legal and content analysis, web analytics of websites and portals, and interviews. E-consultations represent a legal obligation for local governments when issuing acts and strategic documents reflecting on the interests of the public, while participatory budgeting represents example of good practice, not being legally prescribed as mandatory. In the first part of the paper, the impact of globalization on the contemporary public administration will be explained, with focus on government relation to citizens. In the following chapter legal standards promoting ICTs for participatory local government will be analysed. The third chapter will include empirical insights on the local participatory government in Croatia, based on two case studies: e- consultations and e-participatory budgeting. Finally, concluding remarks and recommendations will be contained in the last chapter. |
