Governance interactions of spatial data infrastructures: an agent-based modelling approach

In order to facilitate and coordinate spatial data sharing and exchange,many organisations have developed spatial data infrastructures(SDIs).SDI governance plays a pivotal role in the development and evolution of an SDI,but as SDIs are complex adaptive systems,governing is a challenge.This research therefore proposes a complexity perspective to SDI governance by exploring the use of agent-based modelling to simulate and examine SDI governance interactions.In this agent-based simulation,we examine interactions between SDI stakeholders,data availability and the effects of different governance styles(hierarchical,network and laissez-faire governance)and budget policies.The simulation shows that it is possible to mimic SDI governance dynamics through agent-based modelling.By running different scenarios,it appears that a network approach is more successful compared to a hierarchical or laissez-faire approach.Expert validation shows that overall the results of the simulation are credible and insightful,although improvements can be made to make the model more realistic.With agent-based modelling,SDI governance becomes more tangible and visible,which facilitates discussion and understanding.Agent-based modelling therefore appears to be a helpful new approach in a better understanding of the complexities and dynamics of SDI governance.

Analysing spatial data performance in inter-organisational processes

The use of spatial data has become a key factor in numerous public sector processes.However,recent evidence suggests that the seemingly obvious benefits of spatial data use and sharing often stay beyond reach.This paper examines whether the performance of spatial data in inter-organisational processes depends on the structural characteristics of the process involved.Process structure here refers to the way in which tasks are divided and coordinated between the organisations in a process chain,and to the allocation of the spatial data handling tasks in that process.Spatial data performance describes the level of access,use and sharing of spatial data in the process.The paper presents the results of a comparative case study of interorganisational public sector processes in the fields of urban planning,flood management,population registration,environmental permit delivery and road safety monitoring.The findings suggest that spatial data performance in inter-organisational processes depends on the interplay between the structural characteristics of the process.Unfragmented processes with embedded activities that are related to spatial data are apparently linked to a high level of spatial data performance,while fragmented processes without centralised coordination,or processes in which the spatial datarelated activities are separated from the actual process,seem to relate to lower levels of spatial data performance.

书评

阿丽娜·孟鸠·皮皮迪(Alina Mungiu-Pippidi)(2015)《探寻善治:社会如何控制腐败》(The Quest for Good Governance:How Societies Develop Control of Corruption),剑桥:剑桥大学出版社,pp296,ISBN 978-1-107-53457-5(pbk)。本书对《国际行政科学评论》的读者来说具有很高的相关性,这是显而易见的:世界上大部分国家,包括一些经济最发达国家,都在遭遇腐败,因此,孟鸠·皮皮迪的选题确实非常重要。当然,该选题十分注重准确界定所使用的腐败概念,但是其最令人满意的是形成一些思想观念,即人们不可避免地认为腐败是广泛存在的,不仅在发展中国家。