Denmark Implementation Report 2017-2019
- Action Plan: Denmark Action Plan 2017-2019
- Dates Under Review: 2017-2019
- Report Publication Year: 2020
Denmark’s third action plan focused on increasing open data, improving transparency in the public sector, and promoting open government globally. Notably, the action plan resulted in the creation of a new portal with data on day-care facilities (Commitment 3) as well as strengthening the volunteer sector in Denmark (Commitment 9). However, while most commitments were either fully or substantially completed, their influence on opening government was generally marginal.
Table 1. At a glance
Participating since: 2011 Action plan development Action plan design Action plan implementation *DIOG: Did it Open Government? |
The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a global partnership that brings together government reformers and civil society leaders to create action plans that make governments more inclusive, responsive, and accountable. The Independent Reporting Mechanism (IRM) monitors all action plans to ensure governments follow through on commitments. Denmark joined OGP in 2011. Since, Denmark has implemented three action plans. This report evaluates the implementation of Denmark’s third action plan.
General overview of action plan
Denmark fully completed half of the commitments from its third action plan, and remaining milestones have been initiated to various degrees. As lead agencies tend to be public institutions charged with digitization and technical solutions, the role of civil society was limited during implementation.
Most commitments in Denmark’s third action plan saw marginal results, due to their generally modest levels of ambition. However, Commitment 9 provided sustainable mechanisms for civic participation while strengthening the infrastructure of volunteerism throughout Denmark.
Table 2. Noteworthy commitments
Commitment description | Status at the end of implementation cycle. |
1. More open data
Publish datasets of historical significance in dialogue with stakeholders, and provide video instructions on the use of this data. |
The implementation was limited due to the legal constraints of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). A more pragmatic approach to dissemination of historical data with a focus on usability is planned for 2020. |
3. Information portals for day-care facilities
Develop a common platform to collect data from municipal and day- care institutions across the country. Present the data in publicly available and easily accessible portals. |
The Ministry of Children and Education created a portal that provides parents with a user-friendly overview of day-care facilities, as well as the ability to compare facilities. However, the available data is limited and there is no consensus among stakeholders that the portal will serve its intended purpose. |
9. National strategy for a stronger civil society
Implement the national civil society strategy to improve collaboration between the public sector and civil society, particularly in local communities. |
Implementation of the national strategy has so far led to improvement on more locally anchored volunteerism in Denmark through a gradual restructuring of the sector. The process facilitated dialogue and collaboration between local communities and national authorities. |
Five Key IRM Recommendations
The IRM key recommendations are prepared in the IRM Design Report. They aim to inform the development of the next action plan and guide implementation of the current action plan. In Denmark’s 2017–2019 Design Report, the IRM recommended the following:
1. Expand participation in the multi-stakeholder forum. |
2. Introduce whistleblower protection measures in the next action plan. |
3. Address the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation. |
4. Take measures to improve beneficial ownership transparency. |
5. Focus on further strengthening foreign aid transparency. |
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