The study included a field visit to Ramallah from 15 to 19 January 2023 by the World Bank and international experts to meet with key stakeholders, including ministries, departments, agencies (MDA), and non-governmental stakeholders.
Our solution
The methodology of the Toolkit is intended to assess both “de jure” frameworks and “de facto” practices. The “de jure” information refers to data governance regulatory environments and the “de facto” information looks to measure the implementation effectiveness of data governance frameworks in use. Therefore, the survey covers not only laws and regulations on paper, but also information related to the implementation of legal and regulatory frameworks, such as the existence of relevant institutions to oversee or enforce legal rights and obligations.
To measure the effectiveness of these institutions and entities, the Toolkit also includes diagnostic questions on characteristics of well-functioning institutions, including questions related to independence (where it is a criterion for functional effectiveness), budgetary and human resources, the existence of robust monitoring and evaluation plans, and criteria around the transparency and accountability of information shared.
The structure of the Toolkit is composed of pillars, dimensions, sub-dimensions, and assessment questions. The pillars are indicators that provide quantitative measurements of the laws and regulations and/or information related to their implementation. Pillars are categorized as enablers, safeguards, and technology-specific questions, and are integrated by different dimensions, which in turn comprise a variety of sub-dimensions. The Toolkit is modular where pillars and dimensions can be selected for a specific study based on the objectives of the assessment. In the case of the assessment for the Palestinian Authority, the focus is on public sector data use, reuse, and sharing.
Our assessment was conducted with interviews and site visits across Ramallah with both national and local government stakeholders. We developed a comprehensive understanding of their systems and processes, as well as the challenges and stakes involved.
Outcomes
Our report was delivered in early 2023 and presented at a major World Bank stakeholders gathering in September 2023.
