Conference Agenda

Problem Statement and Purpose

Algorithms quietly change human society, bring about changes in public governance, and also profoundly affect public decision-making.The intervention of algorithms helps to improve the collection efficiency of public decision information, accurately capture the key issues of public decision-making, and assist in forming the optimal scheme of public decision-making.While analyzing the positive impact of algorithms on public decision-making, this paper also deeply combs the potential risks that algorithms may bring to public decision-making, so as to consider how to effectively regulate these risks.

Methodology

This paper mainly adopts the methods of literature analysis and empirical research, and consults the relevant legislation of some countries for reference.

Findings

It must be noted that algorithms will dissolve the government's autonomous decision-making power, challenge the procedural rule of law principle of public decision-making, algorithm discrimination may affect the justice of public decision-making, excessive technology dependence may undermine the security of public decision-making, and algorithm black box may reduce the transparency of public decision-making.

Proposals

In order to effectively regulate the above risks, we should draw clear forbidden areas of algorithms for public decision-making through legislation, and promote the establishment of open and transparent operating mechanisms and reasonable and effective accountability mechanisms for algorithmic decision-making.

References

1、Daniel R. Shulman.What’s the Problem with Google?[Jl.Sedona ConferenceJournal,No.15,2014,pp.17-18. 2、Zhao Hong. Normative Analysis and Entity Boundary of Applicable Algorithm Technology for Public Decision [J]. Comparative Law Research,No.2,2023,pp.1-16. 3、Sandra G. Mayson.Bias in,Bias out[J].Yale Law Journal,No.128,2019,pp.2218-2223. 4、Kim E S.Deep Learning and Principal-Agent Problems of Algorithmic Governance:The New Materialism Perspective[J] .Technology in Society, No.10, 2020, pp.1-9. 5、 Zheng Zhihang. Legal Protection of Individuals from Automated Decision-Making from the Perspective of Balance Theory [J]. Political and Legal Forum,No.4, 2022, pp.94-105.

Problem Statement and Purpose

In the years leading up to the country's 2030 vision, which aims to eradicate the triple challenges of inequality, poverty, and unemployment, the goal is still further away than it was when the vision was first developed. The unemployment rate in South Africa has reached an unprecedented level, and projections suggest that by the year 2030, the rate will soar to forty percent. The instability of the national power utility, Eskom, exerts considerable downward pressure on Local Economic Development (LED). This instability includes the continued rise of fuel prices and the gradual depreciation of the country's currency. South Africa's economic future is uncertain due to slow growth, corruption, limited partnerships, and state-owned enterprise decline. Furthermore, the pandemic and catastrophic events that affected the country over the last three years into recent times have added to the LED challenges municipalities face and exacerbated them, businesses and households have been left under financial strain and municipal revenue collection negatively affected. The main objective of this study was to investigate the first-hand experiences of LED practitioners in their specific contexts, emphasising the significance of local government and stakeholder engagement and through innovation, address local challenges whilst expediting the realisation of the development vision.

Methodology

A qualitative approach was used with the constructivist/interpretive paradigm to document LED practitioners' personal experiences with participants (n=24) through purposive sampling and completion of a researcher-designed interview schedule. This study sought to document LED practitioners' direct lived experiences in their contexts. Purposive sampling to select participants based on their research expertise was used and data collected through semi-structured and open-ended interviews informed the research. Empirical data was transcribed and analysed through thematic and content analysis focusing on key categories and trends that emerged based on concerns, underlying patterns, and interrelationships that explain research findings, including data saturation given due consideration.

Findings

Findings highlight the need for municipalities to integrate responsibilities of various stakeholders and address any existing negative perceptions that influence stakeholder attitudes including impact relating to participation in LED initiatives. Growing local government capacity to accelerate LED initiatives requires innovative approaches whilst at the same time strengthening stakeholder partnerships including an LED framework as a fundamental imperative. It recommends that the district develops an LED framework to foster critical collaboration between public and private sectors to fully utilise both entities' capabilities and resources in LED efforts in a tangible and impactful manner so as to contribute to sustainable service delivery.

Proposals

The research revealed that without addressing these challenges, South Africa would struggle to establish viable LED strategies. An integrated approach coordinating all stakeholders is needed to create productive LED environments where stakeholders’ distinctive capabilities are used to improve the economy and develop local government capacities for alternative service delivery focusing on priorities. This approach not only encourages economic growth, but ensures that development is sustainable, inclusive and responsive to societal needs. The study suggests the district should establish an effective ecosystem model for driving LED whilst creating a harmonious and interconnected environment where stakeholders can collaborate in a coordinated manner.

References

National Planning Commission (NPC). (2012). National Development Plan 2030: Our future make it work. Pretoria, South Africa. https://www.gov.za/documents/national-development-plan-2030-our-future-make-it-work.

National Planning Commission (NPC). (2020). A review of the national development plan 2030: Advancing implementation towards a more capable nation. Available at: NDP REVIEW.pdf (nationalplanningcommission.org.za)

uMgungundlovu District Municipality. (2022). uMgungundlovu District Municipality fifth generation final integrated development plan 2022/2023 - 2026/2027. Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Problem Statement and Purpose

Government policy on the environment in South Africa is wide-ranging and complex. We investigated the role of evidence in three sectors: ambient air, waste, and water. Although articulated severally, legislation and policies in these three areas are covered by an umbrella Act, The National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998.

1. The paper aims to contribute to the evidence-policy discourse by exploring the extent to which scientific evidence influences South African environmental policy. We throw light on the question both along the time and the policy-level dimensions: the situation resulting from the democratisation of South Africa, plus the articulation of policy from the level of broad policy and legislation down to the operational level. At the same time, we want to contribute to conceptual clarity around the notions of evidence and policy.

Methodology

2. The investigation is a complex case study. The broad case is environmental policy in South Africa, which is articulated in the fields of ambient air, waste, and water, and further articulated through all the policy levels down to operational level examples. We describe and interpret.

Findings

3. We found that scientific evidence played a lesser role when the country was still establishing the new democratic order. As the broad policies were articulated in sector-specific legislation at the start of the millennium and regulations and strategies were developing, the role of evidence increased. Often the evidence originated overseas. The level of norms and standards is where science comes into its own.

Proposals

4. Policy scholars should pay more attention to the way policy levels influence the degree to which policy can be informed by scientific results. Policy scholars should operate with a tight rather than a loose definition of evidence. For South Africa, we propose that scientific evidence play a more prominent role in environmental policy-making without losing sight of the fact that trade-offs between science and other policy considerations are inescapable. This must play out within a realistic epistemology.

References

5. Cairney, P., 2016. The Politics of Evidence-Based Policy Making. Palgrave Macmillan UK, Palgrave Macmillan UK, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-51781-4

Godfrey, L., Funke, N. & Mbizvo C. 2010. Bridging the science-policy interface: A new era for South African research and the role of knowledge brokering. South African Journal of Science, 106(5/6), Art. #247, 8 pages. DOI: 10.4102/sajs.v106i5/6.247

Mukwevho, P., 2023. Evaluating the effectiveness of air quality management plans as a governance instrument in South Africa (Doctoral dissertation, North-West University (South Africa)).

Louise Shaxson, Mapula Tshangela, Narnia Bohler-Muller, Ajoy Datta, Nikki Funke, Linda Godfrey, Bongani Matomela, Gary Pienaar, Nedson Pophiwa and Wilma Strydom. 2015. Evidence-informed policymaking in practice: an overview from South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs